More than half of new HIV patients in Zimbabwe’s capital city are among young people aged 15 to 24

Harare is facing renewed concern over HIV infections among young people, with new figures showing that more than half of the province’s annual infections occur among people aged 15 to 24.

The concerns were raised during a National AIDS Council sensitisation meeting in Mazowe attended by provincial heads of government departments. Harare Metropolitan Province has an estimated 195,429 people living with HIV, with an HIV prevalence rate of 8.4%. The province records about 2,644 new infections annually, including 1,341 among people aged 15 to 24.

Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said the figures highlighted the need for targeted interventions. He said: “We are very concerned because although HIV and TB cases have generally declined, our statistical analysis shows an increase in infections among the 15 to 24 age group. That is our future at stake.”

Mushamba said the government would work with schools, parents, local authorities, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National AIDS Council to strengthen HIV education and behavioural-change programmes. He also encouraged young people to make use of prevention services, including Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) following possible exposure to HIV.

NAC Harare provincial manager Adonijah Muzondiona said Harare continues to carry Zimbabwe’s largest HIV burden because of its population size. He added that adolescent girls and young women remain the most affected, while greater community awareness and safer s3xual practices are important to reducing new infection