Umguza leads in HIV new infections

National Aids Council has revealed that Umguza district is leading in new HIV new infections in
Matebeleland North mainly due to the massive mining activities in the district that has seen people
with money to spend.

Addressing Journalist during a Matebeland North National Aids Council Media Tour, the Provincial
Manager for National Aids Council in Matebeleland North Province, Dingaan Ncube also said the HIV
new infection provincial rate is worringly high compared to the national rate.

Umguza district is leading followed by Tsholotsho district and Lupane respectively. Meanwhile HIV
prevalence varies in the province with 6,4 percent being the least from Binga District. The rise in the
prevalence of new infections is worrying stakeholders as the country has over the past 10 years
made progress in fighting HIV having managed to reach the magical 95-95-95 percent statistic.

“The statistics explains where most of our problem areas are when it comes to HIV situation.

Umguza is contributing a high number of new HIV infections because of mining activities. The gold
panners are contributing significantly in terms of risk behaviours,” said Ncube.

What is also worrying is the age groups who are being infected. High cases are being reported
among females between 15 and 34 years. In males, the new infections are within the ages of 35-49
years.

Tsholotsho’s HIV new infections emanate spousal separation where married people are living apart
owing to some seeking greener pastures in other countries and low condom use.

Ncube said the council has come up with initiatives to reduce new HIV infections and these are
through a Brother to Brother approach as well as Sister to Sister.

“We need to capacitate and empower the young girls, we have intensified the use of PREP, the use
of condoms and Gender based Violence,” he said,