Govt, NAC target inmates, sex workers
GOVERNMENT has teamed up with the National AIDS Council (NAC) to train communities in Mutare district on sexual rights in an effort to reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS.
In a consolidated report submitted at the recent first quarter development review meeting on behalf of NAC, Plan International 18+ programmer Mrs Precious Babbage said NAC and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development had conducted HIV sensitisation training for inmates at Mutare Prison Farm where a total of 88 inmates were reached.
“The sensitisation training was meant to facilitate dialogue on issues relating to HIV, enhance prevention and facilitate the provision of treatment for inmates living with HIV,” she said.
She added that there was a high prevalence of HIV among inmates and they were at risk thereby creating the need to sensitise them on the causal factors of HIV, as well as link them to treatment, care and social services in and out of prison.
Similar trainings were also conducted for sex workers.
“Sex workers are at risk of contracting HIV due to the nature of their job and these sensitisation trainings are aimed at imparting information and resources to protect them from contracting the deadly disease. The programmes include education and training to equip them with correct information in making informed decisions,” she said.
The programme was also extended to schools for orientation of first-year students to equip them with information.
“A total of 760 students were reached and offered HIV services, which included HIV testing and visual inspection with acetic acid and cervicography (VIAC) screening to enhance detection of cervical cancer and certain non-cancerous conditions so as to facilitate treatment,” added Mrs Babbage.
Over 3 000 condoms were distributed in schools to sexually empower students and reduce HIV and AIDS infections.
Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development district development officer Mr Gabriel Jaji said most survivors of rape delayed getting treatment, which affected the effectiveness of emergency services given to survivors.
“Most survivors report after 72 hours, and as such, they cannot access PEP for HIV, sexually transmitted infections presumptive treatment and emergency contraception.
“Late reporting is affecting the uptake of PEP and undermining efforts to curb HIV infections,” he said.
It was also reported that the 14-16 age group was increasingly consenting to sex and societies are endorsing negotiated marriages, victimising survivors while protecting perpetrators from facing the full wrath of the law.