NAC Leads the Charge: Transforming Lives Across Matabeleland South’s HIV Hotspots

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – In a strategic move to bolster the national fight against HIV and AIDS, the National AIDS Council (NAC) recently concluded a high-level media tour across Matabeleland South. Traversing the bustling border town of Beitbridge, the provincial capital Gwanda, and the transit hub of Plumtree, the tour offered journalists a firsthand look at the innovative, community-driven interventions designed to protect Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable populations.

As the nation pushes toward the ambitious 95-95-95 targets by 2030, Matabeleland South remains a critical frontier. With its porous borders and high-traffic “hotspots”—ranging from livestock markets to artisanal mining compounds—the province presents unique challenges that NAC is meeting with a blend of education, empowerment, and medical innovation.

Empowering the “Sista2Sista”: Mentorship as a Shield

One of the tour’s highlights was the Sista2Sista initiative. This program identifies vulnerable adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in rural villages and pairs them with trained mentors. These mentors serve as older “sisters,” providing a safe space for girls to discuss sensitive topics that are often taboo in traditional settings.

“The goal isn’t just health; it’s agency,” explained one NAC official during a stop in Filabusi. “By educating girls on hygiene, good behavior, and the importance of abstinence, we give them the tools to value themselves. For those who are already sexually active, we ensure they are fully informed about protection and birth control to prevent both HIV and teenage pregnancies.”

The impact is measurable. Recent data indicates that graduates of the Sista2Sista program are significantly more likely to stay in school and seek regular HIV testing compared to their peers.

Leaving No One Behind: From Hotspots to High-Risk Groups

The NAC’s mandate extends into the heart of the most difficult-to-reach sectors. In Gwanda, the tour visited cattle sales—emerging “hotspots” where large crowds and itinerant traders often create environments for high-risk behavior.

NAC has stepped up its presence at these sites, providing mobile testing and integrated health services. Crucially, the council’s work includes non-judgmental outreach to sex workers and other key populations. By offering specialized clinics and peer-led counseling, NAC ensures that those at the highest risk have access to condoms, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), and life-saving ART (Antiretroviral Therapy).

The Road to 2030: Breaking the Chain

Zimbabwe is currently a regional leader in the 95-95-95 global roadmap. This goal aims for:

• 95% of people living with HIV to know their status.
• 95% of those diagnosed to be on sustained ART.
• 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently noted that Zimbabwe has already surpassed many of these targets, with viral suppression rates effectively “breaking the chain” of new infections. To maintain this momentum, Matabeleland South is being used as a pilot site for Lenacapavir, a revolutionary injectable HIV prevention drug that requires only one shot every six months.

A Vision of Hope

The media tour underscored a vital truth: the fight against AIDS is won in the villages and at the borders, not just in the labs. Through the dedicated work of the National AIDS Council, the young girls of Beitbridge and the traders of Gwanda are being empowered to take control of their futures.

As the province hosted the National World AIDS Day commemorations in December 2025, the message from Matabeleland South is clear: with community support and sustainable funding, an AIDS-free Zimbabwe is no longer a dream—it is within reach.