Bulawayo Records 44% Drop in New HIV Infections
Written by Skyz Metro FM on September 15, 2025
15 September 2025
By Andile Vundla
Bulawayo has recorded a 44 percent decline in new HIV infections, according to the latest data from the National AIDS Council (NAC).
The figures show that new HIV infections across all age groups dropped from 1,016 cases in 2020 to 567 in 2024.
Presenting the figures, NAC Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Primrose Dube said the decline was seen across all age groups, with infections amongst children and young people falling by half.
“The estimates show clear progress in prevention efforts, especially among children, where a 50 percent reduction in new infections reflects the success of our mother-to-child transmission programmes,” Dube said.
Further analysis shows that young people aged 15 to 24 recorded a 50 percent drop in new HIV infections, falling from 234 cases in 2020 to 117 in 2024. Similarly, infections among children aged 0 to 14 declined from 158 to 88 over the same period.
Further analysis shows that young people aged 15 to 24 recorded a 50 percent drop in new HIV infections, falling from 234 cases in 2020 to 117 in 2024. Similarly, infections among children aged 0 to 14 declined from 158 to 88 over the same period.
“These results are encouraging,” Dube added. “But they also highlight the ongoing vulnerability of young women, who remain two to three times more likely to contract HIV than their male peers. We must prioritise prevention strategies for adolescent girls and young women.”
NAC says the gains are also linked to expanded treatment coverage, with 98.3 percent of people living with HIV in Bulawayo now on antiretroviral therapy. Increased awareness campaigns, early testing, and improved health service delivery have all contributed to the progress.
Dube concluded that while Bulawayo is on track toward epidemic control, there are still critical gaps.
“Our priority going forward is to focus on young women’s prevention, strengthen pediatric HIV services, and boost community engagement to ensure sustained progress.”
Skyz Metro FM