Province holds belated World AIDS day celebrations

 
MATABELELAND South Province this year held World AIDS Day commemoration at
Collen Bawn.
The World Health Organisation put aside 1 December to support people living with and
affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
This year's commemorations ran under the theme “EQUALIZE” as the United Nations is
urging countries to address the inequalities, which are holding back progress in ending AIDS.
The celebrations were organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) and several
stakeholders that included the Zimbabwe National Network of People living with HIV
(ZNNP+), Dreams, Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI), PPC, Aids Healthcare Facility
(AHF) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and other Government departments.
The celebrations saw people being given free services on HIV testing and
family planning services. 
Ward 22 councillor for Collen Bawn, Cllr Mary Mpofu, said as the celebration of the day was
critical, it acted as a reminder that gender equality should maintained in society and that
people should live in an environment without violence. 
This day is very critical as it is a reminder that gender equality is maintained in society and
people live in a free environment without violence. Violence in many ways exacerbates HIV
and AIDS, said Councillor Mpofu.
The District AIDS Co-ordinator of the National AIDS Council, Alice Moyo, told the
gathering that the day also honours all people that have died due to the pandemic and
encouraged people to fully utilise the chance of getting free services as they were offered at
their door step.

This day is important to all of us as we remember all the deceased, who succumbed to HIV
and AIDS. I encourage everyone gathered to fully utilise the services offered here as they are
for free and delivered at your door steps, said Moyo.
A representative from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Victim Friendly Unit, Constable Alek
Mpofu, said as a unit they were always ready to assist people, who face gender- based
violence.
He encouraged people to report gender-based violence instead of hiding it as it could lead to
unnecessary loss of lives. 
“As a Friendly Unit, our door is always open to help people facing gender based
violence, especially cases that concern rape of women and young girls, which have become
the order of the day. 
I encourage everyone to report criminals. Do not harbour them as they might end up
affecting you. Men should not be afraid to report gender-based violence and must not be
afraid as we also guarantee confidentiality,” said Constable Mpofu.
Gwanda Provincial Hospital Matron, Nthapeliseng Mkandla, said the World AIDS Day
continued to be a befitting part of the global and national response to HIV and AIDS.
World Aids Day continues to be a befitting part of the global and national response to HIV
and AIDS for us to remember those that died and impact of our efforts to tame the
pandemic, said Matron Mkandla.