Bulilima District is emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s strongest performers in the national fight against HIV, with remarkable progress in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence and community-driven health initiatives. Despite being identified as a hotspot with a prevalence rate of over 17 percent, Bulilima is setting a national example of resilience and collective action in reducing new infections and promoting viral load suppression.
According to district health officials, all 20 healthcare facilities in Bulilima are now coordinating ART adherence programmes, ensuring that patients remain consistent with their treatment and achieve viral suppression. This coordinated approach has transformed the district into a model of effective HIV management and community empowerment.
In an interview with the media recently, Bulilima District AIDS Coordinator Mr Ronald Hanyane commended the progress, attributing the success to community ownership and transparency.
“With these programmes, we are seeing tremendous improvement in reducing new infections. Disclosure of HIV status has made the fight easier,” he said.
At Matjinge Clinic, for instance, community champion Nhlanhla Bhebhe leads a vibrant Community ART Refill Group (CARG) that supports 50 people living with HIV. Through the group, members encourage one another to stay committed to treatment, share experiences, and challenge stigma through open dialogue.
“We have committed ourselves to being open about our status, and with this kind of behaviour, if adopted by everyone, there will be no new infections. HIV could end with us,” Bhebhe said confidently.
Other CARG members echoed her sentiments, highlighting the life-changing impact of collective support. “This programme has helped us a lot and we are no longer afraid of stigma,” one member shared.
Another added, “The CARG programme revives those who may be losing faith in ART because we are constantly engaging. The only challenge is spousal separation, where some partners are reluctant to adhere, but overall, progress has been impressive.”
The CARG initiative is one of several community-based interventions spearheaded by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in Bulilima. Other complementary programmes such as Sista2Sista and Not In My Village continue to strengthen the district’s multi-layered HIV response by promoting awareness, empowering women, and fostering open discussions on sexual health.
Nationally, Zimbabwe continues to record impressive progress in its HIV response. The country has surpassed the UNAIDS 95:95:95 targets, with 97 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, over 95 percent on ART, and 96 percent achieving viral suppression.
As Bulilima’s story shows, community engagement, open dialogue, and strong health coordination remain the backbone of Zimbabwe’s success in moving closer to ending HIV as a public health threat.
