Youth concerned about continued HIV rates
Yesterday, the 1st of December 2020, Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) joined the rest of the world in the commemoration of World Aids Day that was held under the theme: “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact”. The World AIDS Day was commemorated through a Public Opinion Space where discussions were facilitated by Nhlanhla Moyo, representing Dot Youth Zimbabwe, Thabiso Sibanda from Community Working Group on Health and Senzeni Mpala, a Referral Facilitator at Cowdray Park Clinic.
Nhlanhla Moyo talked about the current health care provision of services for HIV/AIDS patients amid COVID-19 era, where he dwelled much on the laws and policies governing HIV/AIDS.
“There are three 90s which are used as a standard for measuring the progress that has been made in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The first 90 means that 90% of people living with HIV\AIDS must know their status, the second one means that 90% of those that test HIV positive must be able to access treatment and the last one means that at least 90% of those ATRs must be virally suppressed,” said Nhlanhla Moyo.
During the meeting it was noted that due to the COVID-19 imposed lockdown, livelihoods which are essential for the dietary needs of people living with HIV/AIDS were much compromised.
Thabiso Sibanda, explored the inter-connections between Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and HIV, as it is a root cause and consequence of HIV.
She raised a critical statistic that in Sub-Saharan Africa, women constitute 60% of people living with HIV according to the UNAIDS report.
It came to light that in the global report on violence against women released by the World Health Organization in June 2013, it was demonstrated that women who have experienced intimate partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV, as compared to women who have not experienced such partner violence so this reveals that’s there is a link between GBV and HIV infection. GBV can increase the risk of transmission of HIV both directly and indirectly.
“Forced sex may directly lead to HIV transmission, and women and girls may be unable to negotiate safer sexual conduct with their partners because of gender power inequalities,” said Sibanda.
During the meeting most participants were concerned about women living with HIV who may face increased levels of violence, due to stigma. According to the World Health Organization among marginalized populations, such as sex workers or transgender women, a high prevalence of violence is linked with higher rates of HIV infection.
Participants managed to list three forms of Gender based violence that may lead to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Forced sexual intercourse whereby women and girls may be unable to negotiate safer sex because of gender power inequalities is a major cause that leads to an increased transmission rate of HIV/AIDS.
Intimate partner violence which is a serious and common human rights injustice and public health problem, causes significant morbidity and mortality. According to participants who were present during the online dialogue, when such cases are not reported these actually lead to the death of the victims involved. It causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors.
Early child marriage which is often between a minor and an older person who has greater power to control the “relationship” is another form of GBV, which continues to cause disharmony in families. Participants urged society to be vigilant in the fight against such violations on children’s rights as it makes it impossible for them to enjoy their rights to education as some end up missing school as a result of forced child marriages.
In addition, women’s biological vulnerability to infection may be increased through tissue tearing and/or physical trauma to the body resulting from violent sexual encounters. This is pronounced among young women and girls whose reproductive tracts are not yet mature.
In her presentation, Senzeni Mpala encouraged parents to be transparent with their children in matters that relate to the disclosure of their HIV status, particularly for those on Anti Retro Viral Drugs. She cited that disclosing such information will enable much unified homes as there will be trust between a parent and a child who is living with HIV/AIDS.