Health authorities in Zimbabwe have raised concerns over rising HIV infections among young people in Harare, with new figures showing that more than half of the province’s annual new infections occur among those aged 15 to 24.
The concerns were highlighted during a National AIDS Council (NAC) sensitisation meeting in Mazowe attended by provincial heads of government departments.
According to the figures presented, Harare Metropolitan Province has an estimated 195,429 people living with HIV and an HIV prevalence rate of 8.4 per cent. The province records approximately 2,644 new HIV infections each year, of which 1,341 occur among people aged 15 to 24.
Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr. Shingirayi Mushamba, described the statistics as worrying and called for urgent, targeted interventions.
“We are very concerned because although HIV and TB cases have generally declined, our statistical analysis shows an increase in infections among the 15 to 24 age group. That is our future at stake,” he said.
Mushamba said the government would collaborate with schools, parents, local authorities, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and the National AIDS Council to strengthen HIV education and behavioural change programmes.
He also encouraged young people to take advantage of HIV prevention services, including Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) following potential exposure to the virus.
National AIDS Council Harare Provincial Manager, Adonijah Muzondiona, noted that Harare continues to record Zimbabwe’s highest HIV burden due to its large population.
He added that adolescent girls and young women remain the most affected group and stressed that increased public awareness, access to prevention services, and safer sexual practices are essential to reducing new HIV infections.