SYDNEY MUBAIWA
ZAKA- Stakeholders in Masvingo province on Thursday gathered at Mutonhori High School in Zaka North Constituency for the candle light memorial service to honour those who succumbed to HIV-related deaths.
The event was commemorated under the theme, “Light The Legacy. Remember. Advance. Act.”
Stakeholders, including people living with HIV, commended the government for guaranteeing the availability of free antiretroviral drugs.
Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) Masvingo provincial Coordinator Morgan Changamire said this year’s theme calls for everyone to continue honouring the legacy left by loved ones in fighting for treatment access, social justice, stigma and discrimination.
“Lighting the candle encourages us to support each other in the healing process find comfort in solidarity. The power of community should bind us and provide more support to PLHIV and their families.
“The candles symbolise hope for a world without stigma, suffering and without new HIV infections. The candle flame represents faith, and spiritual or divine connection,” he said.
He said people continued to receive their medication free of charge.
“Each candle symbolises a life lost, lives taken from us too soon . There are people who fought tirelessly against stigma and discrimination to achieve what we have achieved as a people and nation,” he said.
He said people who are HIV+ can now live normal and healthy lives.
In a speech read on behalf of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira, Provincial Local Government Director Rosemary Chingwe said efforts should be made to fight stigma and discrimination, which remains a barrier to effective management of HIV.
“Stigma and discrimination remain formidable barriers that prevent many from seeking the care they need. Today I call upon each of you – community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers- to join hands in breaking down these barriers,” she said.
She said there was a need to create an environment where every individual felt safe, respected and empowered to access the services they required.
In his remarks National AIDS Council Masvingo Provincial Manager Takudzwa Kombora said people should take a conscious decision to fight stigma and discrimination.
He thanked government and development partners for implementing effective ways in the fight against the pandemic.
“This candle lighting event is a pre- launch activity to commemorate the Provincial World AIDS Day commemorations.
“The event is an annual global observance held every December 1st each year, bringing people together to confront the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
“Since its establishment by the World Health Organization in 1988, this day has served as a powerful reminder of both the staggering toll of AIDS and collective commitment needed to end it.
“Years back, we had a number of partners in this fight but some of them dropped as a result of funding. However, I want to thank our government for implementing efforts to fight the epidemic through the establishment of the AIDS Levy which is assisting us in conducting our activities.
“We also want to thank development partners here for their support to make sure that there are equitable health outcomes,” he said.
He said condom distribution, HIV testing, cancer screening and other services were offered for free by these partners.
“We will use local resources to overcome this epidemic. We have several partners offering these services for free, we have Bhaso, My Age and other partners and I am sure each and every one of us will get the services offered.
“The 2025-2026 theme, OVERCOMING DISRUPTIONS, Transforming the AIDS Response, acknowledges challenges such as climate change, economic shocks and health system pressures that have impacted HIV programmes, while calling for innovative resilient approaches to sustain progress,” he said.
