Harare Records Alarming Rise in HIV Infections Among Young People

By Desmond Nleya*

HARARE – Health authorities in Harare have raised concern over a rise in new HIV infections among young people, with those aged between 15 and 24 accounting for more than half of the province’s estimated annual new cases.

Figures presented during a National AIDS Council (NAC) sensitisation meeting in Mazowe show that Harare Metropolitan Province has an estimated 195,429 people living with HIV, representing an HIV prevalence rate of 8.4 percent.

The province records an estimated 2,644 new HIV infections every year, with 1,341 cases occurring among people aged 15 to 24.

The figures have raised concern among health authorities, who say increased attention must be directed towards young people through targeted HIV prevention and awareness programmes.

Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said the increase among young people was particularly worrying because of the long-term implications for the country.

“We are very concerned because although HIV and TB cases have generally declined, our statistical analysis shows an increase in infections among the 15 to 24 age group. That is our future at stake.”

Government is expected to work with schools, parents, local authorities, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, as well as the NAC, to strengthen HIV education and behavioural change programmes.

Young people have also been encouraged to make use of available HIV prevention services, including **Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)** following possible exposure to the virus.

NAC Harare provincial manager Adonijah Muzondiona said Harare continues to carry the country's largest HIV burden, largely because of its large population.

He said adolescent girls and young women remain among the groups most affected by HIV, making community awareness, access to prevention services and safer sexual practices critical in reducing new infections.

Health authorities are now calling for stronger collaboration between Government, families, schools and communities to ensure that young people have access to accurate information and appropriate HIV prevention and support services.