Rusape gears up for World AIDS Day commemorations

Staff Reporter

All is set for this year’s national World AIDS Day commemorations, scheduled to take place at John Cowie Primary School in Rusape, Manicaland Province. The event, organized under the theme “Take the Right Path – My Health, My Responsibility,” reflects Government’s commitment to ensuring no one and no place is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Speaking to the media, Makoni District AIDS Coordinator, Mr. Spencer Banguza, confirmed that preparations are complete.
“A lot of preparatory meetings have been done and we are now ready to host this august event.
“As part of the pre-launch activities, a marathon has been organized, attracting a large number of participants. The marathon aims to promote healthy living and engage the community in the fight against HIV,” he said.

Banguza emphasized the National AIDS Council’s (NAC) ongoing efforts to curb new HIV infections and provide quality care for those affected.
“We aim to ensure there are no new HIV infections in the district. We have successfully managed to reduce the number of new HIV cases.
“Key initiatives driving this success include the test and treat programme, which ensures that individuals diagnosed with HIV begin antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately. Additionally, the Community ART Care and Treatment Facilitators Programme delivers ART directly to patients’ homes, improving access to treatment,” he noted.

Community members at Max Village Business Center expressed excitement about the event, hoping it will raise awareness, especially in areas prone to high-risk behaviours like transactional sex.

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves as a global platform to reflect on progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to renew commitments to prevention, treatment, and care. The Rusape event is expected to draw significant attention to the importance of personal responsibility in health management and the collective fight against HIV.
With the theme emphasizing individual health responsibility, the commemorations will not only celebrate achievements but also encourage communities to continue taking proactive steps in safeguarding their health.