Radio Bukalanga News | 4 November 2025

By Yvonne T. Buzwane

Cross-border movement continues to threaten family health in Bulilima and Mangwe districts, with the National AIDS Council (NAC) warning that spousal separation and youth travel during holidays are fuelling new HIV infections.

Speaking during a recent NAC media briefing, Bulilima District AIDS Coordinator, Mr. Ronald Hanyane, said the district remains one of the hardest hit by new infections linked to migration.

“Spousal separation remains one of the key drivers of new infections,” said Hanyane. “Most men work across the border in Botswana or South Africa and return home periodically. The long separations create vulnerability on both sides, partners back home and those away are tempted into risky relationships.”

He added that young people travelling to visit relatives across the border are also at risk. “Some youth cross without proper documents and end up being exploited or engaging in unprotected sex for survival or acceptance. When they return home, the risk of new infections grows within families and communities,” he said.

According to NAC statistics, Bulilima District has an HIV prevalence rate of 17.6 percent, the highest in Matabeleland South Province. Hotspot areas include Bhagani Business Centre, Maitengwe Border Post, Madlambudzi and Ndolwane BC.

In neighbouring Mangwe District, NAC Programs Assistant Ms. Elenny Mpofu said the HIV prevalence stands at 16.8 percent, the second highest in the province after Bulilima, while the incidence rate among people aged 15 to 49 is 0.27 percent, the highest in the province. Hot spot areas in Mangwe include Ingwizi BC,Mambale and the Plumtree Border

“Spousal separation, Intergenerational relationships, and multiple concurrent partnerships are driving new infections,” said Mpofu. “During holidays, we see young girls visiting relatives or returning students interacting with older men who offer money or gifts. The result is early sexual activity,teenage pregnancy, and exposure to infection.”

An ART patient from Matjinge said migration has also affected spousal behavior, “It’s not that people don’t love their families, It’s that distance changes people, and that’s where the danger begins. We need to talk openly about safe sex, faithfulness, and health testing when partners reunite.It’s painful because one person’s carelessness can affect the whole family. “

NAC has intensified awareness campaigns in border communities, schools, and growth points. Ongoing programmes include community-based HIV testing, condom distribution, and couples’ counselling, while youth-friendly corners and mobile testing units are expected to be rolled out to remote areas before year-end.