National AIDS Council Applauded for it's Multisectorial Approach to HIV Response

By Hamu Madzedze recently in Chipinge

Online Health Editor-Zimbabwe

The National AIDS Council (NAC) has been commended for its multisectorial approach to Zimbabwe's HIV national response.

This was revealed by the Tongogara Refugee Settlement Camp administrator, Mr Johanne Mhlanga, during a media briefing on the camp's health interventions.

Mr Mhlanga highlighted the success of NAC's programs, Sister to Sister and Brother to Brother, in promoting a better understanding of HIV issues among young women and men.

"These interventions have encouraged young women and girls to get tested for HIV and know their HIV status and live responsibly.

Mr Mhlanga said the Brother to Brother initiative has seen young men and boys aged 15 to 24 years of age being educated on various HIV issues,importance of a health seeking behaviour and the negative effects of drug and substance abuse.

"Prior to the Brother to Brother initiative, young men in the refugee camp were increasingly getting involved in drug and substance abuse, he noted."

Image:Mr Johanne Mhlanga

The camp administrator also noted that, with assistance from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and NAC, they have initiated 113 patients on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) at the Tongogara Refugee Settlement Camp.

Mr Mhlanga reiterated government's commitment to providing quality healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers.

"Healthcare is a critical component of the refugee protection mandate," Mhlanga said.

The camp's clinic offers unrestricted free services, including HIV testing and treatment, immunization, HIV interventions, maternal and sexual and reproductive health services to all refugees, asylum seekers, and the host population.

"This is in line with Zimbabwe's constitution, which guarantees access to basic healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare services" he pointed out

Rugare Marambire, Sister in Charge at the Tongogara Refugee Settlement Camp Clinic, applauded NAC for its support in the fight against HIV.

She attributed the clinic's low rate of ART defaulters to their follow-up patient program, which ensures patients access their monthly drug supply.

Sista 2 Sista is a program which aims to educate and empower young girls and women about HIV issues, promoting a healthy behaviour and encouraging them to get tested for HIV while the Brotha 2 Brotha initiative focuses on educating young men and boys about the negative effects of drug and substance abuse, as well as HIV issues, to promote responsible behaviour and a healthy lifestyle.