Redcliff (The Times-New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN) has been adversely affected by Covid-19 with some organisations going for almost two years without activities.
Speaking during a quarterly committee meeting for Midlands and Matabeleland North chapters, a number of member organisations that presented their reports said they failed to carry out activities since the first Covid-19 lockdown in March last year.
Midlands chapter chairperson Jabulani Mapingire said membership subscriptions were also not doing well with only four out of the registered membership of 40 having paid up the US$25 per annum.
Mapingire said like other sectors ZAN and individual organisations have not been spared, which has affected the momentum and speed in the implementation of planned activities.
“Covid-19 has retarded some of our gains in human resources, economic and social fabrics,” he said.
To defeat Covid-19, Mapingire said there was need to protect the gains made against HIV, TB and malaria.
“As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on global health systems and communities, ZAN Midlands chapter will continue with its efforts to support communities, prevent and manage HIV, TB and other non-communicable diseases with its campus pointing towards equity and quality in health promotions health services uptake for the grassroots,” he said.
Mapingire urged member organisations to conduct joint programming as it has proved to be a sustainable measure among many organisations as they are able to share resources, experiences, knowledge and information.
“Joint programming is critical from the programme planning, fundraising, implementation and, monitoring and evaluation of the programmes,” he said.
Mapingire said resource mobilisation and financing of projects was an obstacle for many organisations especially the small ones. The ZAN secretariat presented on its strategy and roadmap for 2021-2025 which will be anchored on membership recruitment, advocacy, resource mobilisation, capacity building and communication among others.
ZAN is a grouping Civic Society and Community Based Organisations that respond to HIV, TB, sexual reproductive heath and other non-communicable diseases.
The Times-New Ziana
