By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) on Friday, February 13, marked International Condom Day in Beitbridge with a clear and direct message: “Just Use It!”.
The call urges consistent condom use to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancies.
The commemoration began at in Beitbridge town, where a dialogue session brought together people from different age groups including traditional leaders, church representatives, social groups and youths.
Panelists included representatives from AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe (NAC), the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Chief Tshitaudze and local pastors.
Discussions focused on protection against HIV and other STIs, with emphasis on educating the community on the correct use of condoms.
The female condom was highlighted as one of the least known and least used methods despite its effectiveness.
The commemorations later proceeded to Lutumba Township, where the main event took place.
Community members gathered to access a wide range of free services including HIV testing, VIAC screening, antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), free condoms, free sanitary pads, and both short- and long-term family planning methods. Free HIV self-test kits were also distributed.
Family Support Trust conducted demonstrations on the correct use of both male and female condoms to ensure proper usage and effectiveness.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Clever Taderera , AFH Prevention Program’s Manager said Beitbridge, due to its proximity to one of the busiest border posts in Southern Africa, remains vulnerable to various STIs.
“Beitbridge is strategically located and experiences high human traffic. This dialogue was meant to assess the level of knowledge in the community regarding condom use and to raise awareness. We will also take feedback from the community and improve our programming,” said Taderera.
He said AHF supports the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s vision of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, in line with global targets.
Echoing the sentiments, NAC District AIDS Coordinator Edward Mulaudzi said Lutumba was deliberately chosen for the outreach.
“We chose Lutumba because it is one of the busiest bus stops used by cross-border travellers and may be regarded as a hotspot for STIs. We have come to raise awareness and bring services closer to the people to reduce new infections,” said Mulaudzi.
Chief Tshitaudze born David Mbedzi, who attended the dialogue session, applauded AHF, the Ministry of Health and partners for the initiative.
“Having experts visiting our community to educate us is a welcome development. We hope this programme will also be extended to headmen, sabhukus and rural communities where knowledge gaps still exist and people may be silently suffering from STIs. There is no stigma in the use of condoms,” he said.
Tshitaudze also called for similar awareness programmes to be extended to schools.
One of the beneficiaries, Melody Muleya, expressed gratitude for the outreach services.
“We are happy to receive these services close to home. It can be expensive to travel to Beitbridge town for such services. We feel honoured,” she said.
The commemorations underscored the importance of community engagement, open dialogue and accessible health services in the fight against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in border communities like Beitbridge.