IT is a Saturday night party.
The easterly wind innocently blows across the vicinity carrying the ambrosia of the lively nature that pervades the atmosphere at this popular outdoor leisure centre.
From a distance, loud Zimdancehall music is playing at high volume.
Teenagers are merrymaking, gyrating to the good vibes, toasting ciders and whisky, punctuated by a massive braai.
But beneath the surface of revelry and joy, a more sinister reality lurks.
The carefree atmosphere is also a breeding ground for risk-taking behaviour, as some partygoers turn to drugs and unprotected sex, increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection.
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This scene, played out in leisure centres across the country, highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the rising tide of new HIV infections among Zimbabwe’s youth.
In a recent media briefing, before a media tour through Makoni, Chipinge and Chimanimani districts, National Aids Council (NAC)’s provincial manager for Manicaland, Artwell Shiridzinomwa, said their organisation has shed light on a concerning trend: drug abuse and delinquency are significantly contributing to an increase in new HIV infections among young people aged 15 to 24 across Zimbabwe.
The revelation comes amid ongoing efforts to curb the spread of HIV, emphasising that despite overall progress, new challenges threaten to undermine gains made over the years.
Shiridzinomwa underscored the critical impact of substance abuse on HIV transmission rates within this vulnerable demographic.
“Although we have observed a reduction in new HIV infections nationally, the reality is that young people remain disproportionately affected,” he explained.
“Drug and substance abuse have become key risk factors, as they impair judgment and lead to risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex and having multiple partners.”
Shiridzinomwa elaborated on how intoxicating effects of drugs diminish individuals’ ability to make safe choices, thereby increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection.
“We want to ensure and educate the people that we should not indulge in risk behaviours that may promote new infections.
“Young people must take the full responsibility of their health. We need to drive to a situation whereby people take full responsibility because your health is your own personal responsibility,” he said.
“If young people indulge in these risk behaviours without caution, we risk reversing the progress we have achieved.
“It is imperative that we intensify our educational campaigns to promote responsible health choices among youth.”
The NAC official emphasised that addressing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach.
“Our interventions include comprehensive education about HIV prevention, community outreach programmes, and support systems aimed at reducing substance dependency,” he said.
“Information dissemination is crucial — knowledge empowers young people to avoid risky situations.”
Statistics from the Health ministry reveal that out of approximately 1,3 million people living with HIV nationwide, the highest incidence rates are now concentrated within the 15-24 age group.
While other age groups also experience new infections, data indicates that youth are most at risk — a trend that officials say must be urgently addressed.
Zimbabwe’s government remains committed to tackling the epidemic through strategic policy initiatives supported by international organisations.
With backing from Unicef and other aid agencies such as the Global Fund, USAid and PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief), efforts focus on closing treatment gaps and fostering adolescent development.
These initiatives include widespread distribution of antiretroviral therapy (ART), community-based support groups, condom distribution, voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) and preventive measures like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Shiridzinomwa urged young people to take full responsibility for their health: “Your health is your personal responsibility.
“We need to empower our youth with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their sexual behaviour and avoid risky activities associated with drug abuse.”
As Zimbabwe continues its fight against HIV and Aids, experts stress that sustained community engagement and targeted interventions are vital in curbing new infections among youth.
"Addressing drug abuse as a core factor offers a pathway not only toward reducing transmission rates but also toward fostering healthier lifestyles among future generations.
The NAC’s call for increased awareness and responsibility underscores a collective effort— government agencies, international partners, communities, and individuals — to safeguard Zimbabwe’s progress against HIV and Aids while protecting its most vulnerable populations.