IN the face of dwindling aid, a group of resilient locals is taking the lead in supporting its communities’ fight against HIV and Aids.
Determined to fill the funding gap, they are reviving local support groups and empowering each other through self-sustaining projects.
Across Zimbabwe, these community-driven initiatives are breathing new life into the country’s HIV response.
By banding together and harnessing their collective resourcefulness, they are strengthening the social fabric of their neighbourhoods and ensuring no one is left behind in the battle against this seemingly persistent epidemic.
The story begins in Harare’s eastern district, where the Zimbabwe National Network for Persons Living positively with HIV/Aids (ZNNP+)s Eastern district chairperson, Silas Tarava, paints a sobering picture.
“HIV/Aids support groups for income-generating projects in the district were dwindling due to lack of technical support and resource mobilisation,” he shared with NewsDay in a recent interview.
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“But this will change soon, as the district executive committee has resolved to boost technical support to revive those with potential starting in January 2026.”
He noted that it was critical for the district to revive these critical locally-based initiatives to create and increase active participation in the projects and empower communities through sustainable economic opportunities.
At a recent ZNNP+ eastern district meeting at Mabvuku Hospital, Fungai Matinenga, programmes officer for ZNNP+, underscored the critical importance of domestic funding, highlighting the significance of these community-based groups.
Emphasising the success of the Life Changing Support Group in Mufakose, which engages in soap and detergent making with a ready market, Matinenga urged members to work closely with the Women Affairs ministry for capacity building, key to achieving sustainability.
“Partnering the Ministry of Women Affairs is crucial for the long-term sustainability of community-based projects like soap-making,” Matinenga said.
“Their guidance and capacity-building support will empower our communities to thrive independently.”
The ZNNP+ representative also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in all business operations, even support groups at micro level and the importance of creating a “Social Fund” for members in times of emergencies.
“Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable for our support groups' success,” Matinenga emphasised.
“And setting up a social safety net for members is equally vital for our long-term resilience,” she said.
However, not all support groups were thriving in the district.
Manyara Zviramba, from the Eastview area, noted a concerning trend.
“We encouraged weaning of some members as they were struggling with the collective efforts needed in support group dynamics,” she explained during the meeting.
“This tendency for certain members to lag behind hindered the overall progress and success of their support groups.”
The meeting revealed that the challenges faced by HIV/Aids support groups extended beyond their internal dynamics.
Critical gaps in the healthcare system were identified as major obstacles.
Lack of patient disclosure about HIV/TB status and clients changing health facilities without notification made it incredibly difficult for the groups to track and follow up with members.
This resulted in cases of patients lapsing on drug uptake for years, going completely unnoticed — a concerning issue that hindered the effective running and sustainability of many support groups.
In retrospect, meeting participants as community cadres were urged to be proactive in tracking clients on a quarterly basis to get a better handle on the evolving scenarios.
Spiwe Chabikwa, ZNNP+ provincial chairperson, challenged them to start effective tracking of clients who are lapsing in drug uptake.
“Tracking clients who are lapsing in their drug regimen is crucial,” she pointed out.
“It allows us to promptly intervene and ensure no one falls through the cracks in their treatment.”
Further, the meeting observed that the shifting sands of healthcare funding have also taken a toll on condom distribution.
Clients/patients at health facilities were encouraged to be responsible by purchasing their own condoms, as global funding for this critical intervention is dwindling.
Yet, amid these daunting challenges, the meeting noted that support groups are determined to forge ahead.
Matinenga shared the success of similar initiatives in Masvingo, demonstrating that they can be self-sufficient.
She encouraged members to start from somewhere and avoid a dependency syndrome when approaching donors or other well-wishers.
The meeting’s participants heeded the call, with a newfound sense of purpose and resilience.
As they navigate the complexities of domestic funding, capacity building and client tracking, a glimmer of hope emerged.
Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe’s health delivery model stands in dire need of reform.
The country’s high HIV prevalence, coupled with the departure of critical donors and the inability of the system to meet the needs of the population, has led to needless deaths, worsening national vulnerability and the mass emigration of skilled personnel.
By taking a more proactive and collaborative
approach to tracking and follow-up, local leaders in the district are working to address these challenges and ensure better health outcomes for clients and patients at health facilities.
“The revival of HIV/Aids support groups is a crucial step in addressing the challenges that are being faced,” said Sister Rhoda Mashaya during a recent quarterly meeting.
“They will bring empowerment and unity. By taking a more proactive and collaborative approach, tracking will be strengthened and well-being of patients/clients through support groups.”
As the meeting ended, participants left with a renewed determination.
The road ahead may be long and arduous, but their collective spirit and the unwavering commitment
to their communities fuel their every step.
HIV support groups are not just reviving income-generating projects — they are rebuilding the foundations of resilience in the face of a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.