By Health Reporter
Harare is facing growing concern over HIV after new figures showed that more than half of the province’s annual infections are among young people aged 15 to 24.
Health authorities say they are stepping up awareness campaigns and prevention programmes to reverse the trend.
The concerns were raised during a National AIDS Council (NAC) sensitisation meeting in Mazowe attended by provincial heads of Government departments.Harare Youth HIV Infections Raise Fresh Concern.
Harare Metropolitan Province has an estimated 195,429 people living with HIV, with a prevalence rate of 8.4%. The province records about 2,644 new HIV infections each year, including 1,341 among people aged between 15 and 24.
Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said the figures showed the need for targeted interventions.
According to the 2025 estimates, Harare Metropolitan Province has 195 429 people living with HIV, representing an overall prevalence rate of 8,4 percent.
The province records 2 644 new HIV infections annually, with 1 341 of those occurring among young people aged between 15 and 24 years.
Dr Mushamba said the statistics highlighted the need for targeted interventions focusing on schools, tertiary institutions and communities where young people spend most of their time.
“We are very concerned because although HIV and TB cases have generally declined, our statistical analysis shows an increase in infections among the 15 to 24 age group. That is our future at stake,” he said.
He said the Government would work closely with schools, parents, local authorities, Government institutions, the National AIDS Council, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and non-governmental organisations to implement coordinated programmes aimed at reducing new infections.
