Story By: Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo
THE National AIDS Council (NAC) says its HIV and AIDS programming continues to break cultural and social barriers in rural communities, helping transform long-held attitudes and behaviours that have contributed to the spread of sexually transmitted infections and gender-based violence.
Despite growing awareness and changing times, some communities in rural Zimbabwe still cling to deeply rooted traditional beliefs and patriarchal norms that often hinder progress in HIV prevention and gender equality.
However, NAC, working closely with the health sector and community stakeholders, has managed to influence positive behavioural change through targeted interventions, decentralised awareness campaigns and empowerment programmes tailored for rural communities.
This emerged during the NAC Matabeleland South media tour in Silozwi area, Ward 16 in Matobo District, where residents shared how HIV awareness initiatives have impacted their lives and communities.
Speaking during the tour, NAC Silozwi mentor Ms Rachel Fuzwane said the organisation’s educational campaigns had gradually changed attitudes towards HIV prevention, gender relations and health-seeking behaviour.
“As a mentor, I often meet difficult characters, especially those who are deeply rooted in cultural and traditional beliefs. When I started this work, there was a lot of resistance from some men,” said Fuzwane.
“Some still strongly believe in patriarchal practices and are reluctant to embrace societal changes regarding gender equality. However, through continuous HIV and AIDS awareness programmes, we are witnessing positive behavioural change within communities.”
Community members also acknowledged the role played by NAC programmes in reducing risky sexual behaviour and improving access to information.
Mr Breshnev Thobela (49) said awareness campaigns had helped many people abandon dangerous practices that previously exposed them to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
“An educated person is better than an ignorant one. In the past, people would proudly say, ‘asidleli isiwiji ephepheni’, meaning we did not use condoms,” said Thobela.
“During those years, many of our relatives and friends died from sexually transmitted diseases. NAC programmes have helped us understand how to protect ourselves and live positively, even for those living with HIV. Risky behaviours have greatly reduced.”
Another villager from Ward 16 said access to information had empowered the community to make informed decisions.
“This has helped us a lot in changing behaviour. We are now empowered with vital information,” he said.
However, some residents admitted that changing long-standing cultural practices remains a gradual process.
Mr Mandla Mabhena, a member of the Nguni community in the area, said certain traditional beliefs could not disappear overnight.
“While we appreciate these programmes encouraging couples to support each other, some cultural norms take time to change,” he said.
“Personally, I still cannot help my wife wash dishes. I would rather lose my conjugal rights than wash dishes.”
Over the years, NAC has rolled out several community-based programmes aimed at addressing HIV, gender inequality and teenage pregnancies.
Among them is the “Sista 2 Sista” initiative, which provides mentorship, psychosocial support and HIV education to vulnerable adolescent girls and young women aged between 10 and 24 years.
The programme has contributed to reduced school dropout rates, fewer teenage pregnancies and a decline in gender-based violence cases in some rural communities.
NAC has also implemented the “Not In My Village” campaign, which engages traditional leaders in the fight against HIV, stigma and child marriages.
According to NAC, Matobo District remains one of the areas heavily affected by HIV and AIDS, although significant progress has been recorded over the years. The district’s HIV prevalence rate remains above the national average of 9.8 percent, highlighting the need for continued interventions and community engagement.
