GOVERNMENT is strengthening peer-led support for adolescent girls and young women through the expansion of the Young Mentor Mother Programme, a move aimed at enhancing HIV prevention, mental wellbeing and early intervention.
Building on the Zvandiri Young Mentor Mother model, the expanded initiative now supports all young women aged 15 to 24, including those who are HIV-free.
The programme was previously focused on young mothers living with HIV.
The expansion, which began in May 2025, is being implemented in partnership with the Health and Child Care ministry, the National Aids Council and Unicef Zimbabwe.
The programme uses trained young mothers to provide peer-led health education, psychosocial support and sexual and reproductive health information to pregnant and breastfeeding adolescents and young women.
The initiative comes at a time when adolescent girls and young women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa.
Keep Reading
- Zim wins bid to host ICASA 2023
- Zim pilots new HIV drug
- An extraordinary tale of perseverance
- ‘ICASA to focus on other diseases
According to the 2024 Global Aids Update, 3 100 young women acquired HIV every week in 2023.
To date, 69 young mentor mothers have been trained in Mt Darwin, Mazowe, Epworth and Hopley, with the programme expected to reach more than 3 000 pregnant and breastfeeding adolescents and young women, as well as their babies and partners.
“It feels so good to become a young mentor mother as I can connect with other young women, share ideas on HIV prevention and self-care, and support their growth while learning from them in return,” said Molline Mufudzi, one of the young mentor mothers in Epworth.
“I want to inspire them by sharing what I have learned and my own experiences, so that we can positively shape our lives and our babies’ futures.”
Four former mentors have been appointed young mentor mother champions to provide leadership and ensure quality implementation.
“I am deeply humbled and excited to work alongside these young women,” said Vivian, a young mentor mother champion based in Epworth.
“Together we are building a supportive community that prioritises health, wellbeing and opportunity.
“Our voices matter and when we come together, we can create real change.”
The programme aligns with the Global Alliance to End Aids in Children and Adolescents by 2030.