By Rex Mphisa at Mzingwane
THE National Aids Council of Zimbabwe has said this year’s December 1 commemorations of the International World Aids Day will be held at Mzingwane High School.
The commemorations will be held under a locally coined theme “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming Aids Response”.
Speaking to journalists after attending a provincial stakeholders preparatory meeting NAC acting communications director Trust Govere said the theme emphasises the need for the country to ensure there were no disruptions in every aspect of Aids response.
“It (commemorations) will be held in Matabeleland South province. The province then identified Mzingwane District to host the event. Then in Mzingwane district, the event will be hosted at Mzingwane High School on the 1st of December of this year,” said Govere.
“So our commemorations are going to be held under the theme, overcoming disruptions, transforming AIDS response. The theme emphasises the need for the country to make sure that there are no disruptions in terms of prevention activities, there are no disruptions in terms of prevention services, there are no disruptions in terms of treatment services. There are no disruptions whatsoever in terms of AIDS response. So for us to overcome these disruptions, it means we need to come up with new initiatives,” he said.
He said there was need to come up with new ideas while maintaing those proven effective to Aids response.
“We need to come up with new ideas. We need to come up with new models in order to maintain those which are working, thus transforming AIDS response. So we are preparing for this event to be successfully held at Mzingwane High School,” said Govere.
Ahead of the event celebrated universally some activities will be held to hype the event.
Govere said there will be a World AIDS Day Marathon, where everyone is invited. Registration forms will be distributed.
“We will be circulating a registration fee. This marathon will also work as a wellness programme for both people living with HIV, and also those who do not have status, and also people, everyone, nearly everyone.”
The marathon will also be used to raise HIV awareness.
“This marathon is open to everyone. It will be done to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS. Then a day before, on the eve of the commemoration, we have a candlelight memorial. The candlelight memorial will be held in memory of people who have passed on due to HIV and AIDS,” he said.
Govere also participated in the plenary session involving all stakeholders in Matabeleland South at provincial level.
Different chairpersons of the sub-committees presented their reports thrashed out.
Matabeleland South provincial manager for NAC Mgcini Sibanda advised stakeholders who included Mzingwane District Development Coordinator Peter Mahlatini.
“We must make use of modern communication methods to appraise each other of developments and not wait for meetings alone ” he said.
A team of journalists from Matabeleland South who have been on a tour of National Aids Council (NAC) projects in the province.
The tour is part of the build up to the national event.
World AIDS Day serves as an important reminder that humans must remain steadfast in their commitment to prevent new HIV infections and provide essential services to all people living with HIV globally.
The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honour the lives affected by the epidemic.
NAC has presided over significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS after the withdrawal of US Aid which funded most HIV and Aids interventions.