National AIDS Council

The Adapted Microplanning to Eliminate Transmission of HIV in Sex Transactions (AMETHIST) randomised controlled trial tested a combination of microplanning (peer-led risk-differentiated support) and self-help groups (SHGs) to reduce the proportion of female sex workers (FSW) at risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV infection in Zimbabwe. The trial found overall high levels of FSW engagement with treatment which further improved in intervention sites. HIV prevention uptake, however, was low and not affected by AMETHIST. We conducted a mixed methods process evaluation to assess implementation, explore FSW perceptions, and understand the trial’s outcomes. We integrated routine programme statistics, qualitative data, and an endline respondent driven sampling survey among 4444 FSW to consider fidelity of implementation, feasibility of delivery, and acceptability. We also examined whether the intervention triggered changes hypothesised in its programme theory. Microplanning was successfully introduced, with peers effectively providing risk-differentiated support. Early difficulties related to mapping sex work “hotspots,”, maintaining contact with mobile FSW, and some resistance to regular risk assessments, but double the number of new FSW registered at intervention clinics compared to comparison sites (8443 v 3824), and significantly more HIV tests were performed (11882 vs. 6808). SARS-COV2 disrupted the intervention, particularly SHG. Fewer groups were established than planned, and lockdowns prevented group members meeting in person and participating in collective activities. Nonetheless, 30 of 65 established SHG remained active after two years, and more SHG members registered with clinics than those reached by microplanning alone (82 cv 76% p,0.001). Increased service use did not increase effective prevention. Over 80% FSW reported condomless sex and PrEP adherence was insufficient to achieve protection. Qualitative data show FSW prefer to “wait” until HIV seroconversion before taking daily medication. They feared conflation of ART with PrEP and resulting stigma. Concerns about side effects and immediate financial priorities undermined perceived future benefits of PrEP and condoms. Strengthening HIV prevention should consider how to improve FSW’s hope and agency alongside reducing stigma and supporting collective rights and action. The Pan African Clinical Trials Registry registered the trial 2nd July 2020 (PACTR202007818077777) which was after randomisation but before any research data were collected.

This study investigates the roots of tension, mistrust, and social dichotomy between war veterans and communities in Zimbabwe, across the 10 provinces. Despite multiple welfare interventions, including the War Veterans Act (1992), veterans remain economically vulnerable and socially isolated, while communities perceive them as politically privileged yet disconnected. It aimed to (1) analyse the historical, political, and socio-economic factors contributing to this mistrust and (2) explore community perceptions, coping mechanisms, and potential pathways for reconciliation and integration. It was grounded in two complementary theories: Social Identity Theory, which explains how veterans are positioned as an “in-group” with symbolic authority, and Conflict Transformation Theory, which emphasizes relational and structural change for sustainable peace. Methodologically, the study adopts a pragmatic philosophy, qualitative dominant mixed method approach with an explanatory design. Data were collected through key informant interviews, document analysis of five institutional texts, including the War Veterans Act and African Union DDR Standards complemented by questionnaires. Thematic coding and content analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework, were used to identify recurring patterns and policy gaps. Abductive reasoning linked empirical findings to theoretical insights. The study concludes that Veteran–community relations in Zimbabwe are defined by a paradox; war veterans, once celebrated as liberators, are now perceived as politically privileged yet socially disconnected, while communities feel excluded and marginalized. This entrenched mistrust cannot be resolved through welfare alone. Sustainable reconciliation requires structural reforms that embed community voices, foster inclusive dialogue, and support grassroots cooperation. Veterans must be repositioned as equal participants in national development, moving beyond politicized, welfare-centric frameworks toward inclusive, community-driven reconciliation strategies that bridge divides and foster genuine social integration. Reconciliation requires more than welfare, it demands structured dialogue, community-driven economic cooperation, and cultural mediation. Reconciliation requires more than welfare, it demands structured dialogue, community-driven economic cooperation, and cultural mediation. It therefore recommendations reforming veteran legislation to embed integration mechanisms, empowering traditional and religious leaders to mediate tensions, and supporting grassroots initiatives that foster shared livelihoods and mutual respect. Ultimately develops an integrated reconciliation and cohesion model for transforming veteran–community relations and advancing inclusive development in Zimbabwe is proposed.

HIV epidemic trends among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa are rarely known. We analysed HIV prevalence trends among 10,562 female sex workers aged 18–39 years, recruited through serial cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling surveys in 13 towns and 2 cities in Zimbabwe between 2013 and 2023. HIV prevalence remained stable from 2013 to 2016–2017 but declined significantly from 54.6% in 2016–2017 to 38.9% in 2021–2023 (cluster prevalence mean difference: 15.7%, prevalence ratio: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.68-0.79). This decline cannot be attributed to sampling bias or shifts in the characteristics of the female sex worker population. Mathematical modelling using the HIV Synthesis model and age cohort analysis also suggested lower HIV incidence in later years. While the availability of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis increased, there was little evidence of reduced risk behaviour over time. Increased treatment coverage among the male population likely contributed to the lower HIV incidence among female sex workers.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed significant health policy challenges, particularly for low-income countries, where policymakers faced both direct threats from the virus and social and economic harm owing to lockdown measures. We present a holistic contextualized case study of the direct and indirect impacts on women and children, highlighting disparities across socioeconomic, age, and gender groups. We utilized multiple data sources, including primary and secondary data from 28 in-depth interviews, six focus group discussions, and 40 household interviews, as well as data from government reports, District Health Information Software version 2 (DHIS2), and published research. A conceptual framework was devised to hypothesize causal pathways and guide the analysis of results. The findings indicate that the pandemic not only had direct effects, on morbidity and mortality, but also more severe indirect impacts, including job losses and limited access to healthcare, including maternal and child healthcare services, due to measures put in place to control it, which were exacerbated by well-known but inadequately considered preexisting political and economic challenges. The most severe indirect effects on healthcare services availability and wider livelihoods fell on the poorest segments of society, further widening the age and gender inequalities. Policymakers faced significant challenges in managing the direct and indirect harm of COVID-19, including short- and long-term effects and their unequal distribution across society. We conclude that the indirect effects of COVID-19 were at least as harmful, if not more so, than the direct impacts, especially for women and children. In the future, it is highly recommended to establish specific protocols and guidance for maternal and child health service access, including strategies that reduce barriers to social support.

This article explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society through the lens of technological determinism and singularity theories. Technological determinism is the notion that technology shapes and controls society and human behaviour. Singularity is a theory that asserts that AI has already become a million times smarter than humans and can self-improve beyond what humans first taught AI applications and machines. The Singularity Theory predicts an intelligence explosion from Artificial General Intelligence soon, in which humans are likely to lose the dominion that they have enjoyed since creation, millions of years ago. AI, in its generative and autonomous or selfimproving state or form, may lead to the automation of many tasks currently performed by humans. This could lead to both benefits and challenges, such as increased efficiency but also job losses. In addition, the article discusses the impact of AI on privacy and raises ethical concerns about the potential misuse when in the hands of bad people. It also discusses ways to ensure that AI is used responsibly and beneficially. This includes governmental authorities developing ethical guidelines for AI development and implementation and ensuring that AI systems are safe, transparent and accountable.

Youth have poorer HIV-related outcomes when compared to other age-groups. We describe the protocol for a cluster randomised trial (CRT) to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based, integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth on HIV outcomes. The CHIEDZA trial is being conducted in three provinces in Zimbabwe, each with eight geographically demarcated areas (clusters) (total 24 clusters) randomised 1:1 to standard of care (existing health services) or to the intervention. The intervention comprises community-based delivery of HIV services including testing, antiretroviral therapy, treatment monitoring and adherence support as well as family planning, syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), menstrual health management, condoms and HIV prevention and general health counselling. Youth aged 16-24 years living within intervention clusters are eligible to access CHIEDZA services. A CRT of STI screening (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis) is nested in two provinces (16 of 24 clusters). The intervention is delivered over a 30-month period by a multidisciplinary team trained and configured to provide high-quality, youth friendly services.Outcomes will be ascertained through a population-based survey of 18-24-year-olds. The primary outcome is HIV viral load <1000 copies/ml in those living with HIV and proportion who test positive for STIs (for the nested trial). A detailed process and cost evaluation of the trial will be conducted. The trial protocol was approved by the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, the Biomedical Research and Training Institute Institutional Review Board and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Research Ethics Committee. Results will be submitted to open-access peer-reviewed journals, presented at academic meetings and shared with participating communities and with national and international policy-making bodies. https://clinicaltrials.gov/: NCT03719521.

Mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina) is an important source of food and contribute to the nutrition of people who consume them. However, the traditional processing methods may have detrimental effects on the nutritional value and should also guarantee microbial quality. In this study, the nutritional composition and microbial quality of mopane worms processed under different boiling time (0-20 min) and drying temperature (40-60 °C) conditions were investigated and optimised using response surface methodology. An increase in the boiling time at the lowest drying temperature resulted in an increase in protein content and reduction in coliform counts. The optimum conditions of boiling for 20 min and drying at 40 °C resulted in mopane worms with a protein content of 49.4% DW and coliform counts <1.5 log cfu/g. In addition, high concentrations of crude fibre (13.6% DW) and fat (20.2% DW), as well as Fe (19.0 mg/100 g) and Zn (17.9 mg/100 g) were also recorded. A decrease in the total bacterial count, Escherichia coli and yeasts and moulds at the boiling time ≥20 min irrespective of the drying temperature suggested that exposure to heat reduced the microbial growth and contamination. Reduction of the mopane worms’ moisture content (<7%) due to drying further slowed down the rate of microbial growth. The optimal processing conditions (boiling for 20 min and drying at 40 °C) are recommended for pretreatment of mopane worms prior to further processing into various products.

The CHIEDZA (Community-based Interventions to improve HIV outcomes in youth: a cluster randomised trial in Zimbabwe) trial evaluated an integrated package of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for young people aged 16–24 years in Zimbabwe. The family planning component aimed to improve access to information, services, and contraceptives delivered by trained youth-friendly providers within a community-based setting for young women. Responsively adapting the intervention was a part of the intervention design’s rationale. We investigated the factors influencing implementation fidelity, quality, and feasibility using provider experiences and perspectives. We conducted provider interviews (N = 42), non-participant (N = 18), and participant observation (N = 30) of intervention activities. The data was analyzed thematically. CHIEDZA providers were receptive to providing the family planning intervention, but contexts outside of the intervention created challenges to the intervention’s fidelity. Strategic adaptations were required to ensure service quality within a youth-friendly context. These adaptations strengthened service delivery but also resulted in longer wait times, more frequent visits, and variability of Long-Acting Reversible contraceptives (LARCS) provision which depended on target-driven programming by partner organization. This study was a practical example of how tracking adaptations is vital within process evaluation methods in implementation science. Anticipating that changes will occur is a necessary pre-condition of strong evaluations and tracking adaptations ensures that lessons on feasibility of design, contextual factors, and health system factors are responded to during implementation and can improve quality. Some contextual factors are unpredictable, and implementation should be viewed as a dynamic process where responsive adaptations are necessary, and fidelity is not static.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03719521.