Amid reduced healthcare access due to funding challenges, more than 1,500 BHISHU workers in Epworth have benefitted from free s@xual and reproductive health (SRHR) services, thanks to a programme by Springs of Life Zimbabwe (SLZ).
Backed by AIDSFonds, a Netherlands-based organisation focused on fighting HIV and AIDS, the initiative is helping reduce the spread of s@xually transmitted infections (STIs) in the area.
“Given the recent restrictions affecting access to healthcare, Springs of Life is stepping in to meet the urgent needs of BHISHU workers in Epworth,” said Mitchel Munashe Zengeya, SLZ’s advocacy officer.
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Launched in February, the three-month project has already made an impact: 200 people have received antiretroviral treatment (ART), 50 have started pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), 1,000 condoms have been distributed, and 150 workers have received STI treatment.
SLZ is also working with local pharmacies under memorandums of understanding to offer confidential, stigma-free care. In addition, the organisation has teamed up with Epworth Poly Clinic, Overspill Clinic, and Epworth Mission Clinic to support nurses in conducting outreach both during the day and at night.
“These sessions include health education and stress the importance of regular STI screening and consistent use of ART and PrEP to prevent HIV,” Zengeya explained. “We’re targeting key hotspots through both daytime and nighttime outreach efforts.”
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