By Patience Gondo
THE International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Thursday toured the Beitbridge Border Post as part of a two day evaluation mission.
During the visit, the delegation toured the Port Health Services consignment area and the E-gate facility as part of the organisation’s programme aimed at protecting people on the move.
Speaking during the tour, IOM Chief of Mission Diana Cartier said the programme is people centred and focuses on supporting vulnerable communities.
She said in Beitbridge, the organisation has been assisting deportees through counselling services within the district and surrounding areas.
Cartier explained that the “No Border” programme was introduced by IOM in 2023 and implemented in 2024.
The initiative supports communities around Beitbridge, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health services for potential migrants, youths, sex workers and vulnerable communities.
“We are also addressing issues related to HIV awareness and encouraging people to know their status. In addition, we are working on building coalitions and promoting the acceptance of sex workers within communities,” she said.
The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Zimbabwe, Matthijs van Eeuwen, who also toured the border post said the organisation intends to continue engaging with the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure long-term results in Beitbridge.
He said he was impressed by the progress and efforts being made by Zimbabwe towards ending HIV by 2030.
“I am impressed by the strides Zimbabwe has made towards achieving this goal before 2030. We are not there yet, but from what I have seen on the ground, a lot has been done. Zimbabwe is on track to end HIV before 2030 through the contributions and commitment of the government, and I hope this target will be achieved,” he said.