Bulawayo steps up HIV prevention drive after Magwegwe and Pumula identified as hotspots

BULAWAYO – The City of Bulawayo is strengthening HIV prevention programmes after Magwegwe and Pumula were identified as emerging HIV hotspots, with councillors warning that rising drug and substance abuse could fuel new infections if left unchecked. The concerns emerged during deliberations on the council's Health Promotion Unit, where councillors discussed the latest findings from the National AIDS Council (NAC) and called for intensified interventions in the two high-density suburbs.

According to the latest council minutes, Councillor Perseverance Nyathi expressed concern over the increase in new HIV infections, saying the development was particularly worrying as Bulawayo continues to confront growing levels of drug and substance abuse among young people.

"The National AIDS Council has flagged Magwegwe and Pumula as new HIV hotspots in the city," Nyathi said.

"Currently, the city is battling with drug and substance abuse, and the HIV and AIDS challenge is now recurring. I would like to know the council's strategy in reducing and eradicating new HIV infections in these areas."

Responding during the meeting, Ward 23 Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo said the local authority was working with government departments, the National AIDS Council and other stakeholders to strengthen HIV prevention efforts and improve community awareness.

"Council is engaging other partners to deal with HIV infections in the mentioned areas. Our major target is to achieve zero new HIV infections. Campaigns on drug and substance abuse will also continue," Khumalo said.

She noted that tackling HIV requires addressing the broader social and behavioural factors that increase vulnerability, including substance abuse.

The Health, Housing and Education Committee's recommendations were subsequently adopted by council, paving the way for continued awareness campaigns, community engagement and prevention initiatives in the affected suburbs.

According to UNAIDS, Zimbabwe has made significant progress in reducing HIV-related deaths and expanding access to antiretroviral treatment over the past decade. However, preventing new infections remains a major public health priority, particularly among young people and key populations at higher risk.

Health experts have long warned that harmful alcohol and drug use can increase the risk of HIV transmission by impairing judgement, reducing condom use and contributing to unsafe sexual behaviour. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted the importance of integrating HIV prevention with mental health and substance abuse programmes to improve health outcomes.

Bulawayo has historically been one of Zimbabwe's urban centres with a relatively high HIV burden, prompting sustained prevention campaigns involving local authorities, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and community leaders.

City officials say partnerships with health agencies and community organisations will remain central to efforts to reduce new infections, improve access to HIV testing and treatment, and raise awareness about both HIV prevention and the dangers of drug and substance abuse. The renewed campaign forms part of broader national efforts to end new HIV infections and achieve global HIV response targets through prevention, early diagnosis and expanded access to treatment.

Bulawayo HIV hotspots