Approximately 90% of women tested for HIV in Bulawayo during June 2024 were found to be positive, according to a Bulawayo City Council (BCC) report, sparking alarm over rising HIV rates in the Matabeleland region.
The report revealed that out of 2,984 women tested, 2,641 were HIV positive. This concerning trend follows the National Aids Council (NAC) expressing worry about the increasing number of women testing positive in the region, which has been linked to high mobility rates, particularly among those traveling to and from neighboring countries like South Africa.
NAC highlighted that Matabeleland South holds the highest HIV rate nationwide at 0.34%, followed by Matabeleland North at 0.24%. Bulawayo, with a rate of 0.13%, is lower than the national average of 0.15%.
Douglas Moyo, NAC Bulawayo Programs Officer, attributed the high HIV incidence to the region’s mobile population, particularly those returning from working abroad. He also cited spouse separation as a significant factor contributing to the virus’s spread.
