Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV and Aids, but the battle is far from over.
While the country has achieved the UNAids 95-95-95 treatment targets, new infections continue to occur, particularly among adolescents and young people.
This reality underscores the importance of community-driven interventions such as those being spearheaded by the National Aids Council (NAC) in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and across the country.
Programmes such as Dreams, Sista2Sista and Brotha2Brotha have become critical pillars in the national HIV response because they address the social and behavioural factors that place young people at risk.
They provide safe spaces where adolescents can discuss issues such as peer pressure, sexual health, substance abuse, gender-based violence and life skills without fear of stigma.
Statistics show why such interventions remain indispensable. Zimbabwe has an estimated 1,3 million people living with HIV, while adolescent girls and young women remain disproportionately affected by new infections.
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Young females aged 15 to 19 are up to six times more likely to acquire HIV than their male counterparts, according to Health ministry data.
Furthermore, recent studies have shown that risky sexual behaviours remain common among young people, highlighting the need for sustained prevention and behavioural change programmes.
What makes community-based interventions effective is their ability to reach people where they live, learn and socialise.
They involve parents, community leaders, peer educators, schools and health workers in creating an environment that promotes positive decision-making and healthy lifestyles.
The success stories emerging from Bulawayo Metropolitan province, thanks to a media tour organised by NAC, demonstrate that when communities take ownership of HIV prevention efforts, stigma declines, awareness increases and more young people access testing, counselling and support services.
The lesson is clear: ending HIV is not solely a medical challenge; it is a community responsibility.
Continued investment in programmes such as Dreams, Sista2Sista and Brotha2Brotha is therefore not optional, it is essential for safeguarding the next generation and sustaining Zimbabwe’s gains against HIV and Aids.