Itai Muzondo
GOKWE: Despite national efforts to curb the spread of HIV, scores of men here in Gokwe South are still avoiding key HIV services and the National Aids Council is battling to battle the web of fear, stigma and deep-rooted mistrust engulfing them.
Healthcare systems
Health workers say the trend is alarming.
“Most people who come for testing are women, especially pregnant woman during antenatal visits,” says Sister Farisai Mlambo, the nurse in charge at Katema clinic.
Nomatter Kamudande, the Community HIV Nurse in Charge said it is a worrying trend.
“In this community men tell their female counterparts after HIV testing that ‘yako ndiyo yangu’ which translates to say once the wife gets tested their results are also reflective of men’ status,” she said.
Fear of culture and masculinity
Interviews with local men revealed a range of concerns.
“Our culture forbids us from using condoms. We can’t change that,” a villager said.
Some fear positive diagnosis will bring shame to their families.
Others believe that getting tested will automatically brand them as promiscuous.
“The village is too small. If anything comes out on the negative, the whole community will know and what will become of me?” said another villager.
Myths and misinformation are also rife.
One belief holds that appearing healthy is proof of being HIV negative, leading many to assume they don’t need testing.
The role of culture and masculinity
Local leaders and health advocates say harmful gender norms also play a role in increasing new HIV infections.
Instead of screening, one local says they prefer traditional methods of dealing with continuous miscarriages while health officials emphasized medical screening.
Moving towards solutions
To combat the challenge, the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe has turned to community outreach programs, mobile testing units and peer education programs designed specifically for men.
Still, changing deep-seated attitudes takes time, NAC believes.
“This is not just about HIV,” said Gokwe South District AIDS Coordinator, , Isaki Chiwara.
“It’s about creating a culture where men feel safe, informed, and supported to take charge of their health,” he said.
