By Andrew Zhou                               

MASVINGO – Masvingo Province has recorded a notable decline in the number of people living with HIV over the past four years, according to recently released data from the National AIDS Council (NAC) Monitoring and Evaluation office.

The figures reflect substantial progress in the province’s HIV response, though officials emphasize the need for continued focus on vulnerable populations.

During a recent data presentation, NAC’s Masvingo Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Munorwei Munyikwa, highlighted that the positive trend reflects the success of collaborative efforts between NAC, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and other HIV/AIDS partners. He cautioned, however, against complacency.

“The reductions we are observing demonstrate that our combined interventions such as prevention of mother-to-child transmission, antiretroviral therapy scale-up, and behavior change programmes are yielding results. Still, the disproportionate burden on women, especially young women, calls for intensified and targeted efforts,” Munyikwa stated.

He noted that with the decline recorded across all age groups, the province was moving closer to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% are on treatment, and 95% achieve viral suppression.

“We have already reached the 95-95-95 goals, and our new target is 97% so that by 2030, we see few to no new infections in the province,” Munyikwa added.

The data reveals that in 2020, a total of 147,729 people of all ages were living with HIV in Masvingo. By 2024, this number had dropped to 140,419—a reduction of 7,310 individuals. NAC attributes the decline to improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), widespread community awareness programs, and effective prevention strategies.

Despite this progress, a gender breakdown reveals persistent disparities. In 2024, 84,998 females were living with HIV, compared to 55,421 males, underscoring the continued feminization of the epidemic.

Adults aged 15 and above remain the most affected group, with 132,328 people living with HIV in 2024, down from 134,615 in 2020. Among them, women continue to represent the larger share, with 80,973 females affected compared to 51,355 males.

Encouragingly, the most productive age group (15–49 years) showed a significant decline, falling from 104,477 in 2020 to 93,416 in 2024. Analysts note that this trend indicates reduced new infections among the working-age population—a crucial factor for sustaining community livelihoods.

Declines were also observed among young people and adolescents. The number of youths (15–24 years) living with HIV dropped from 14,092 in 2020 to 12,938 in 2024, while the figures for adolescents (10–19 years) decreased from 12,670 to 10,284 during the same period.

Significant progress has also been made among children. In 2020, 13,115 children (0–14 years) were living with HIV, but by 2024, the number had fallen to 8,091—a reduction of 5,024. The most dramatic decline was observed among infants (0–4 years), where cases nearly halved, dropping from 2,531 in 2020 to 1,357 in 2024.

Despite these gains, health experts stress that barriers such as stigma, gender inequality, and limited access to health services in rural areas continue to hinder further progress.

Moving forward, the NAC plans to strengthen community testing, support treatment adherence, and expand youth-focused prevention campaigns to ensure the downward trend in HIV prevalence continues.

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

CHIVI – A 35-year-old man from Madamombe Village, Edwell Mukuza, died after setting himself on fire following an emotional confrontation with his ex-wife, casting a shadow over the local community.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, which occurred in Muzvidziwa Village on September 26, 2025, around 5 PM.

“I confirm the death of Mukuza, who died after setting himself ablaze over a misunderstanding with his ex-wife on September 26, 2025,” said Insp Dhewa.

The tragedy unfolded when Mukuza, accompanied by his friend Aldo Zengeya (31), visited his ex-wife to collect his belongings. Upon arrival, he found her waiting outside with his bags already packed.

Distraught by the encounter, Mukuza reportedly hugged his ex-wife and asked why she hated him so deeply. He then requested privacy, asking Zengeya to step away.

In a sudden turn, Mukuza drew a knife and attempted to attack his ex-wife, who managed to block the assault and escaped. Zengeya intervened and retrieved the knife.

Mukuza then rushed to his vehicle, retrieved a five-liter container of petrol, doused himself in fuel, and ingested some of it. Before anyone could stop him, he ignited the fuel with a cigarette lighter, leading to fatal burns.

Police were notified after Mukuza had already succumbed to his injuries. His body was taken to Chivi District Hospital for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

This incident highlights a growing concern over suicide linked to domestic conflicts in the province, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support, counseling services, and proactive community interventions to address underlying emotional crisis.

By Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA – In a revealing address that has cast the Zimbabwe National Army’s recruitment policies in a distinctly political light, Major General Walter Tapfumaneyi openly declared that the military systematically excludes opposition supporters from enlistment, prioritizing instead those from ZANU PF-aligned families.

Speaking during the ZNA Masvingo Province Traditional Leaders’ Day at Chief Nhema’s homestead, Maj. Gen. Tapfumaneyi detailed a vetting process that explicitly considers political affiliation as a key criterion for military service.

“We conduct background checks to determine if your family supports Musangano (ZANU PF) or is among the lost (opposition). The ruling party, led by President Mnangagwa, is ZANU PF. If you flock with the lost, you will be recruited when they come into power,” said General Tapfumaneyi.

The senior army officer justified the approach saying there was noone would go hunting with a neighbors’ dogs whose traits he does not know implicitly characterizing opposition supporters as unreliable for military service.

“The ruling government is led by President Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF party, so we don’t want to lie to each other. If you go hunting, you cannot use your neighbour’s dogs; they may end up dining with the hare that you are hunting. So if your family is among the lost, you will get into the army when the lost gets into power,” he said.

The Major General, who previously served as the Deputy Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and as Permanent Secretary, played a key role in the 2023 general elections as the head of the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ),  an organization that monitored polling stations amid opposition allegations of electoral interference. His recent return to army leadership position underscores his continued influence within the country’s security apparatus.

The general also took time to acknowledge and thank the ZANU PF leadership in Masvingo Province, noting that they supported the army very well, further cementing the perceived political alignment of the military institution.

At the same event, Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira acknowledged Tapfumaneyi’s crucial role in ensuring ZANU PF’s victory in the 2023 elections, praising his dedication to the party’s success.

Minister Chadzamira highlighted the army’s role in national development, noting their involvement in constructing bridges, schools, and clinics, as well as providing medical services. He framed these initiatives as part of President Mnangagwa’s programs, emphasizing that the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces was the driving force behind these efforts.

“The army used to stay in barracks but now they are seen aiding the communities through constructing bridges, clinics, schools among other things. They also do outreach programmes where they bring health services to the communities for free,” said Chadzamira.

The Minister also provided historical context for the army’s relationship with traditional leaders, tracing it back to biblical times where there were rulers and the army, asserting that such collaboration was essential for national development.

Minister Chadzamira also announced the imminent distribution of presidential inputs, warning community members against selling farming inputs for beer money.

“The presidential inputs will be distributed soon, so we urge you to plant and use the fertilizers. Do not sell the inputs at the shops to get money for beer,” said Chadzamira.

The host, Chief Nhema, born Rangarirai Bwawanda, expressed gratitude for the army’s engagement with traditional leaders, acknowledging the importance of this collaboration for nation-building.