…as Masvingo surpasses global HIV targets
FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-In communities where access to clean water can be the difference between health and illness, the National AIDS Council (NAC) is turning policy into practical impact.
Through its AIDS Trust Fund, NAC has spearheaded the drilling of two boreholes in Bikita District and at Mwenezi Clinic in an initiative designed to provide clean and safe water to communities, particularly people living with HIV and AIDS and non communicable diseases.
More than an infrastructure project, the intervention represents an investment in public health, dignity and long-term resilience for vulnerable populations.
National AIDS Council Provincial Manager Takudzwa Kombora said access to clean water remains a fundamental pillar in improving quality of life and supporting successful health outcomes.
“The National AIDS Council, through the AIDS Trust Fund has drilled these two boreholes to ensure communities have access to clean and safe water, particularly people living with HIV and AIDS and related infections,” said Kombora.
He explained that people living with HIV are often more vulnerable during disasters and health-related challenges because of compromised immune systems, making access to safe water a critical component of prevention and care.
“Clean and safe water are key determinants of a healthy life. If someone is taking medication properly but does not have access to clean water, he or she can still be affected by water-borne diseases and infections,” he said.
Kombora said improving access to clean water remains essential in reducing health risks and strengthening community wellbeing.
“These interventions are meant to reduce vulnerability and improve health outcomes, particularly among communities that require continued access to treatment and proper living conditions,” he said.
He added that NAC is currently in the process of handing over the two completed boreholes to the respective communities so residents can begin benefiting from improved access to reliable and safe water sources.
Beyond water access, Kombora revealed another major public health milestone. Masvingo Province has surpassed the global 95-95-95 HIV targets set by UNAIDS, demonstrating remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The global target is that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed are initiated on lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 95 percent of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression, reducing the chances of transmitting the virus.
According to Kombora, Masvingo exceeded all three benchmarks.
For the first target, the province achieved 97 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status. For the second target, 98 percent of those diagnosed were initiated on treatment. On the third target, 97 percent of people receiving treatment achieved viral suppression.
“These achievements show that communities are responding positively to testing, treatment and adherence programmes. Our responsibility now is not only to support those living with HIV but also to ensure that the population without HIV remains negative,” said Kombora.
As Masvingo records gains in HIV response and expands access to clean water, the province’s progress signals that sustainable health outcomes are not built through treatment alone but through strengthening the everyday conditions that allow communities to live healthier, safer and more dignified lives.
