Bethany Battles HIV in Zvishavane — Youth-Led Campaign Gains Ground
ZVISHAVANE – The Bethany Project, a homegrown non-governmental organisation supported byAmplifyChange, has reached more than 7,000 adolescents and young people in Zvishavane since launching its three-year initiative in October 2023 to improve access to S€xu@l and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services.
Targeting youth aged 10 to 24, the project aims to dismantle barriers to essential health services through door-to-door campaigns, clinic-based outreach, and community engagement.
Progress is already visible.
At a recent stakeholder briefing, a Bethany Project representative shared key achievements.
“We have made 933 referrals for HIV testing and counselling, assisted 16 survivors of s€xu@l and gender-based violence in accessing court and medical services, and supported small business units through Pamumvuri and Humwe forums,” the representative said.
Community engagement continues to grow.
A total of 3,721 individuals — including 1,398 females and 1,333 males have received SRHR information through direct outreach.
Fourteen youth-friendly spaces have been established in local clinics, offering safe hubs for health services and counselling.
In total, 7,426 people have been reached, with a 35 percent service uptake rate.
This intervention comes at a critical time.
Zvishavane is experiencing a surge in HIV infections, making Bethany’s work more urgent than ever.
The National AIDS Council recently identified the district as the leading HIV hotspot in the Midlands Province, with a prevalence rate of 16.37 percent.
The rise in infections has been largely attributed to widespread rejection of condom use.
“Zvishavane has people who are not using condoms at all. Infections are there.
“People still say they do not enjoy s€x with protection, but this behaviour exposes them to HIV,” said National AIDS Council Midlands Provincial Manager Shumba Mambewu.
The town’s mining boom has drawn artisanal miners, truck drivers, vendors, and s€x workers — creating a high-risk environment for HIV transmission.
Bethany’s intervention, therefore, is not only timely but essential.
To respond effectively, Bethany is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the National AIDS Council, the Department of Social Services, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Together, they have mobilised 30 inclusive community movements to advocate for improved access to SRHR services.
Internally, the organisation is strengthening its programme management and development systems to ensure long-term impact.
The project’s strategy is multi-layered and community-driven. It includes Pamumvuri Forum and Humwe or Ilima models, radio sessions, sporting galas, clinic-based information centres, and community dialogues.
However, despite these efforts, challenges persist on the ground.
Gender focal persons are facing logistical hurdles.
Patricia Nkala from Mapirimira Ward described the burden of supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
“People end up not reporting issues related to s€xu@l and gender-based violence because of costs involved in travelling to the court.
“As a gender focal person, you are left with the burden to transport yourself and the survivor to the court, which might require several trips before the case is finalised,” she said.
Other threats are emerging in the community.
Arnold Shava from Murowa raised alarm over drug and substance abuse in his area. “There are dealers known as ‘jazzmen’ in my area, they are openly selling drugs, but sadly they are not arrested,” he said.
Even more disturbing are reports of child marriages linked to religious doctrine.
A concerned resident from Mabasa, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, described troubling scenes near Runde Bridge.
“Young girls are being married off under church doctrine near Runde Bridge, and it is happening right in front of us.
“We alerted the police and pleaded with them to investigate what is going on at the Johanne Marange shrine, but nothing has been done. It is heartbreaking to watch children lose their future while authorities remain silent,” she said.
Despite these setbacks, the Bethany Project continues to foster a supportive environment for adolescents and young women in Zvishavane.
With HIV infections rising and risky sexual behaviour persisting, its work remains a lifeline for youth navigating the challenges of reproductive health.
-Afrogazette
