Bulawayo’s Magwegwe And Pumula Flagged As New HIV Hotspots
The City of Bulawayo has intensified efforts to curb new HIV infections after Magwegwe and Pumula were identified as emerging HIV hotspots. There are growing fears that the city’s struggle with drug and substance abuse could worsen the spread of the virus.
According to the latest council minutes, councillors raised concerns about the rise in new HIV infections in the two high-density suburbs. The National Aids Council (NAC) had flagged them as areas of concern.
The issue was discussed during deliberations on the Health Promotion Unit, where councillors called for stronger interventions to reverse the trend.
Councillor Perseverance Nyathi said the resurgence of HIV infections was alarming, especially as Bulawayo continues to grapple with drug and substance abuse among young people.
“The National Aids Council has flagged Magwegwe and Pumula as new HIV hotspots in the city,” said Nyathi.
“Currently, the city is battling with drug and substance abuse, and the HIV and AIDS challenge is now recurring.
“I would like to know the Council’s strategy in reducing and eradicating new HIV infections in these areas.”
Ward 23 Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo said the local authority was working closely with various stakeholders to contain the spread of HIV in the affected suburbs.
Responding to the concerns, she said the council’s goal was to eliminate new HIV infections through strengthened partnerships and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“Council is engaging other partners to deal with HIV infections in the mentioned areas. Our major target is to achieve zero new HIV infections. Campaigns on drug and substance abuse will also continue,” said Khumalo.
She said the fight against HIV could not be separated from efforts to curb drug and substance abuse, noting that the two challenges were increasingly intertwined.
