Over the past two and half years, the colliding AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics along with economic and humanitarian crises have placed the global HIV response under increasing threat (UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2022). Despite Zimbabwe’s progress in combating TB and achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS target, TB continues to pose a substantial threat to public health, necessitating sustained efforts to eradicate it.
The gap between health needs and the resources available to meet them is alarmingly wide. By taking immediate action and investing more in HIV and TB healthcare, the global health community can save lives, enhance well-being, and promote the rights through building stronger and more resilient health systems for all.
As DAPP Zimbabwe, our health programmes mainly respond to the HIV epidemic, TB, malaria and malnutrition. We have established project structures, but the true strength of our health programmes lies in our connections with the communities we serve.
On this day, April 7th, 2025, as the World commemorates the 77th World Health Day, we take the opportunity to highlight the work of some of our projects in the health sector, HOPE Bindura and TC TB Makoni, which are committed to prioritising HIV/AIDS and TB in urban and rural District areas.
The HOPE Bindura project, established in 1998, empowers individuals through a people-centred approach, providing free HIV testing, counselling and preventive services. The project also promotes safer sexual practices and skills-building initiatives for adolescent girls and young women in Bindura urban and rural Mashonaland Central.
HOPE Bindura empowers individuals to take charge of their health, make informed choices and foster resilience and dignity.
The TC TB Makoni project in Manicaland province aligns with the National TB Strategic Plan, aiming to reduce TB and contribute to the global goal of ending TB by 2030. Through community-led interventions, the project provides comprehensive support to co-infected individuals, including antiretroviral therapy and TB treatment and works towards Universal Health Coverage.
By harnessing the collective efforts of local leaders, community volunteers and extension officers, the TC TB Makoni project helps to reduce stigma and discrimination against those affected with TB and HIV.
This year’s World Health day is running under the theme; Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.