• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Zimbabwe Remains Worst Affected By HIV/AIDS in World: Minister

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 September 2005, 09:00 CDT

Zimbabwe remains worst affected by HIV/AIDS in world: minister

HARARE, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe remains one of the countries in the world worst affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic with a prevalence rate of 21.3 percent and women constituting 60 percent of those affected, a government minister said on Tuesday.

Health and Child Welfare Minister, David Parirenyatwa, said this at the official launch of the "Man Enough to Care" document by Africare, a nongovernmental organization.

In a speech read on his behalf by Disease Control and Prevention deputy director, Stanley Midzi, the minister said educational campaigns and discussions had significantly increased the level of AIDS awareness.

This, however, was yet to translate into a significant reduction in risky behavior and ultimately that of infection, he said.

"I need not over-emphasize that Zimbabwe is experiencing high levels of HIV prevalence rates although there has been a reduction of prevalence from 24.6 percent to 21.3 percent," Parirenyatwa said.

He called for intensified efforts to address silence, denial, social norms and economic forces.

In that regard, the minister said, the comprehensive investment of resources was welcome to combat the scourge.

Parirenyatwa said the launch of the "Man Enough to Care" document would increase male involvement in gender based programs, thereby complimenting women's societal roles.

Despite the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS problem, men, due to traditional social norms, have played a lesser role in the care of the chronically ill.

With support from the corporate world and donors, the minister said prevention, care and support would effectively reduce the scourge's impact.

Africare with support from Development Corporation of Ireland, John Snow International Research and Training as well as International Fund for Agricultural Development has already taken the lead by exploring ways of involving over 400 men.

These people have been assisting about 3,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Harare, Makoni, Zvishavane and Shurugwi since 2002.

Through Male Empowerment Group Projects by Africare, men receive Voluntary Care Giver Training to enable them to help the affected people.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS

More News in this Category