NAC scales up HIV prevention drive in Matabeleland North mining communities

By Andile Vundla

The National AIDS Council (NAC) is intensifying efforts to tackle HIV infections and teenage pregnancies in mining communities in Umguza District, Matabeleland North, through a community-based programme that is reaching nearly 800 adolescent girls and young women in some of the province’s most vulnerable mining communities.

The Sista to Sista programme, is operating in 16 of Umguza’s 19 wards, providing young women with information on HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene management and life skills, while also linking them to economic empowerment opportunities.

The intervention comes also as communities surrounded by mining activities continue to face heightened risks associated with HIV transmission, driven by factors such as increased population movement, transactional sex and limited access to health services.

Speaking during a recent media tour organised by NAC, Umguza Ward 6 Councillor Busisa Brown praised the organisation for bringing targeted interventions to communities that have long struggled with HIV-related challenges.

“We would like to commend NAC for the work they have brought to our ward and Umguza as a whole. They identified one of the most pressing challenges affecting our communities and responded with practical solutions,” said Brown.

She said mining activities in and around the district have contributed to social vulnerabilities that increase the risk of HIV infection, making prevention programmes essential.

“The knowledge being shared through the Sista to Sista programme is making a difference. Many young women are now better informed about HIV prevention, safe sexual practices and other health-related issues that are critical in reducing new infections,” she added.

Under the programme, each ward supports approximately 50 mentees through structured mentorship sessions designed to build confidence, improve health-seeking behaviour and encourage informed decision-making.

Beyond raising awareness, the programme is creating a network of peer educators and community advocates who are helping to spread HIV prevention messages within their communities.

Umguza District focal person for the Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), Ms Thembeni Sithole, said the initiative has strengthened community-led HIV prevention efforts.

“Since its introduction, the programme has equipped many young women with knowledge and life skills that allow them to make informed decisions. We are also seeing beneficiaries becoming mentors and advocates who are sharing information with others in their communities,” said Sithole.

In addition to HIV prevention and reproductive health education, the programme promotes economic empowerment through skills development opportunities aimed at improving self-reliance among young women.

Sista to Sista Ward 6 mentor Chantele Chigumbu said the programme has created safe spaces where young women can openly discuss issues affecting their lives and access accurate information.

“Many young women who once lacked information about HIV and reproductive health are now able to make informed decisions and share that knowledge with others,” she said.

For beneficiaries, the programme’s impact extends beyond health education.

One participant, Sikhulile Ncube from Umguza Ward 8, said the initiative helped her improve her understanding of menstrual hygiene management while opening doors to livelihood opportunities.

“Through Sista to Sista, I learnt the importance of menstrual hygiene and self-care. The programme also opened doors for me to pursue skills training, and I have since obtained certificates in Nurse Aid and Baking, which are helping me become more independent,” she said.

As Zimbabwe works towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, stakeholders believe community-driven interventions such as Sista to Sista will remain critical in reducing new HIV infections, empowering young women and building resilient communities in high-risk areas such as mining districts.

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