Government and the National AIDS Council (NAC) have intensified HIV prevention interventions targeting adolescents and young people in Harare Metropolitan Province after statistics revealed that the age group accounts for more than half of new infections recorded annually in the province.
Although Zimbabwe has made significant progress in reducing the overall HIV burden, the continued high rate of new infections among young people remains a major concern, prompting authorities to strengthen prevention programmes in schools, tertiary institutions and communities.
The issue emerged during an HIV and AIDS sensitisation meeting for heads of Government departments in Harare Metropolitan Province organised by NAC in Mazowe.
Harare Metropolitan Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, said while HIV and tuberculosis cases had generally declined, infections among people aged between 15 and 24 remained a significant challenge.
According to 2025 estimates, the province has approximately 195 429 people living with HIV, translating to an HIV prevalence rate of 8.4%.
Harare records an estimated 2 644 new HIV infections annually, with 1 341 more than half occurring among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24.
Dr Mushamba said the figures demonstrated the need for targeted and sustained interventions aimed at young people.
“The figures call for targeted interventions in schools, tertiary institutions and communities where young people spend most of their time. Government is strengthening partnerships with the National AIDS Council, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, local authorities, parents, schools and development partners to drive behaviour change programmes and improve access to HIV prevention and treatment services,” he said.
NAC Harare Provincial Manager Adonijah Muzondiona said the province carried the country’s largest HIV burden largely because of its population size.
He said the sensitisation programme was also intended to equip heads of Government departments with the knowledge and tools required to become HIV prevention champions within their institutions and communities.
“Adolescent girls and young women remain the most affected by new infections, although cases are also rising among boys and young men. Other high-risk groups include sex workers, long-distance transport crews, informal traders and artisanal miners,” said Muzondiona.
He said NAC was intensifying awareness campaigns, promoting safer sexual practices and expanding community-based HIV prevention initiatives to address emerging transmission patterns.
The authorities emphasised that sustained cooperation between Government, schools, families, communities, workplaces and development partners would be essential in reducing new infections among young people.
The intensified interventions are expected to complement existing HIV prevention, testing and treatment programmes while supporting national efforts to end HIV and AIDS as a public health threat.
