Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-The National AIDS Council (NAC) has intensified HIV prevention efforts in mining affected communities along the Runde River in Ward 21 Chivi district through its Sista2Sista programme which targets adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24.
Driven by poverty, school dropouts and the influence of artisanal mining, many young girls face heightened risks of sexual exploitation and HIV infection.
The programme operating from Chomuruvati Primary School provides sexual and reproductive health education, HIV testing and access to health services.
Sista2Sista Club mentor Liason Musungo noted the impact that NAC has brought in their community.
“Through our regular sessions, we teach girls about HIV prevention, the importance of knowing their status and how to negotiate safer relationships. For many of them, this is the first time they are having open conversations about these issues.”
She also added that the programme is also restoring dignity compared to the past as girls used torn rags because they could not afford sanitary wear. Providing pads has restored their confidence and dignity.
Musungo further highlighted the dangers posed by artisanal miners.
“Some artisanal miners manipulate girls with as little as US$2.00, to the marginalised girls the amount means something,” she said.
The Sista2Sista programme is currently implemented in several districts across Masvingo Province, including Bikita and Masvingo Rural as NAC continues efforts to reduce new HIV infections among adolescents and young women by 2030.
