Zingane OVC Project

Zimbabwe has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS, with a strong focus on areas with higher prevalence rates like Bulawayo and Matabeleland. The country has achieved a 96% awareness rate among people living with HIV, indicating that the majority know their status. Matabeleland South experiences the highest prevalence at 17.6%.Treatment efforts have been effective, with 99% of those diagnosed receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 96% managing to achieve viral suppression. However, pediatric HIV care remains a challenge, as only 68% of children with HIV are aware of their status, and viral suppression among this group is 89%.

Zingane works to improve health, safety, education, and livelihood outcomes for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), adolescents, and youth affected and infected by HIV in Zimbabwe. The project:

1. Improves access to HIV care and treatment services for children, adolescents and youth;
2. Improves economic stability and educational attainment for vulnerable children and their families;
3. Strengthens child and family safety skills through improved access to HIV and GBV prevention, GBV response, and child protection services;
4. Strengthens local systems for planning, coordinating, monitoring and assuring the quality of services for vulnerable children and their families.

Zingane is led by Bantwana Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Insiza Godlwayo AIDS Council and Jointed Hands Welfare Organization. The project is implemented in Bulawayo, Bulilima, Gwanda, Gweru, Kwekwe, Insiza, and
Lupane districts – districts with some of the highest HIV burden in the country. The initiative has reached over 33,500 children and caregivers, achieving a 101% service coverage rate and ensuring that 94% of the beneficiaries know their HIV status.