Zimbabwe, like many of its neighbours in Southern Africa, is seriously affected by the HIV pandemic. Infection rates have been decreasing over time, however, still one person in five is infected by HIV. Average life expectancy has fallen to 34 years of age for women (the lowest in the world) and 37 years of age for men.
Oxfam in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, Oxfam Ireland is supporting the Combined Oxfam Gender and HIV and AIDS (COGENHA) Programme, working with 11 local organisations to reduce the rate of new infections, particularly among women and young people.COGENHA is managed by Oxfam Australia and funded by Oxfam Ireland, Oxfam Germany and Oxfam Australia.
Home-Based Care programmes
Home-Based Care programmes – such as those provided by our partners Zimbabwe Women Against AIDS, Poverty and Violence trust and by Batsiranai Home Based Care group -Â are often the only source of support for people living with HIV and AIDS in a crumbling health system in Zimbabwe. These programs rely on hundreds of volunteer caregivers who work with minimal resources and are often poor, have large families or are living with HIV.
SHAPE – Sustainability, Hope, Action, Prevention, Education
The Oxfam-supported SHAPE project aims to reduce the spread of HIV among young people by challenging traditional gender roles that condone risky sexual behaviour among men and reinforce women’s lower status, thus limiting their ability to negotiate safer sex.
Students at Midland State University in Gweru use drama to show other students how HIV can spread. Inspirational gender activists help other students understand how changing their behaviour can reduce the spread of HIV.
This project provides a chance for students to openly discuss about HIV, sex, condoms, gender roles and sexual harassment, without fear of ridicule or judgment.
- For more information on this project download the booklet ‘Transforming Toxic Behaviour’
Ntombizodwa Marufu in her maize field.
€24/ £20 can provide Sunflowers from Oxfam Unwrapped. They are particularly beneficial for women in Zimbabwe living with HIV and AIDS, who work together in groups to grow sunflowers and press them for oil.
