BULAWAYO, Jun. 3 (NewsDay Live) – About 9,000 condoms were distributed to artisanal miners and villagers in Umguza’s Ward 6 during a health expo aimed at curbing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS in the area.
The outreach programme targeted artisanal miners and surrounding communities amid growing concerns over risky sexual behaviour in mining areas, which are often identified as hotspots for new HIV infections.
Speaking to the media during the event organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC), Umguza Ward 6 councillor Busisiwe Brown said more than 9,000 condoms were distributed over two days.
“We distributed about 9,000 condoms during the two-day health expo,” Brown said.
“Our primary target was the artisanal mining community, which is highly mobile and often vulnerable to risky sexual behaviour due to the nature of their work and long periods away from home. Village heads and bottle store owners also received condoms for distribution within their communities.”
In addition to condom distribution, the expo offered free HIV testing and counselling, cancer screening and other health services.
NAC Bulawayo provincial manager Sinatra Nyathi said the initiative provided an important platform for engaging communities on HIV prevention and related health issues.
“The health expo brings the community together and creates an opportunity for people to learn more about HIV prevention efforts while accessing critical health services,” Nyathi told NewsDay on the sidelines of the programme.
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