ZNNP+ Launches Kutabila:Bridging Health Information Gap

By Hamu Madzedze-Online Health Editor,Zimbabwe

In an effort to enhance access to health services and information,the Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV(ZNNP+) has introduced Kutabila a groundbreaking health platform.

Kutabila is an online platform that provides a toll-free line for clients to call and interact with health professionals who will assist them with their health concerns and questions.

In an exclusive interview with 365HealthDiaries alongside a two-day media workshop for community radio station practitioners held in Darwendale, Mr Takudzwa Kombora , the National AIDS Council's Coordinator for Meaning Involvement of People Living with HIV said the launch of the Kutabila platform has marked a milestone in ZNNP+ efforts to leverage technology for enhanced health service delivery and access.

"The platform offers various services including HIV prevention services ,pyschosocial support,sexual and reproductive health services,COVID 19 and HIV services and free consultation and treatment.

(Above image :Mr Kombora addressing media practitioners during media workshop organised by the National AIDS Council)

Mr Kombora highlighted that the platform aims to bridge the information gap and ensure equitable access to health services for all particularly those living with HIV.

ZNNP+ is a national network that advocates for the rights and interest of people living with HIV and it promotes equal access to healthcare ,social services, empower people living with HIV to participate in decision-making process affecting their lives, reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and support HIV prevention,treatment,care and support.

In Zimbabwe 1.3 million people are living with HIV (PLHIV) and the country is closer to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets that is at least 95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of people living with HIV are on treatment and 95% of people living with HIV are virally suppressed ,however children continue to lag behind at 68-98-89 however the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission(PMTCT) and Mother to Child Transmission(MTCT) rate is improving but is still higher than expected though PMTCT coverage for 2023 improved from 83.9% in 2022 to 90.3% and the MTCT rate reduced from 8.4% in 2022 to 7.2% in 2023 higher than the recommended 5%.