Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter
The Sista2Sista mentorship programme is proving to be a game-changer in the fight against HIV among adolescent girls and young women in Mashonaland East Province, according to the National AIDS Council.
During a community outreach event held at Musanu School in Mutoko, NAC Provincial Manager Dr Wilfred Dube highlighted the programme’s role in equipping vulnerable girls with life skills and sexual reproductive health education — critical tools in preventing new HIV infections.
“We have a challenge, generally, of adolescent girls and young women who get pregnant and drop out of school,” said Dr Dube. “This is a widespread issue across districts, including here in Mutoko.”
He explained that the programme identifies at-risk girls, especially those no longer in school, and places them under the mentorship of trained peer educators. Through this structured guidance, participants are taught practical life lessons aimed at improving their decision-making and self-awareness.
“These adolescent girls are getting life lessons from the Sista2Sista programme,” said Dr Dube. “We’ve found it to be very effective in protecting them from HIV infection.”
The initiative is bolstered by the “Not In My Village” campaign, which involves traditional leaders and community members in tackling early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and drug abuse — all of which increase vulnerability among girls.
Dr Dube also noted that at Musanu School, the programme is enhanced by vocational training opportunities provided by Plan International. Beneficiaries are being equipped with skills in sewing, cookery, and hairdressing, which can help them earn a livelihood and reduce economic vulnerability — another HIV risk factor.
“These are skills that adolescent girls can actually use in their lives to earn money,” he said.
According to NAC data, HIV prevalence in Mashonaland East has dropped from 12.6% in 2020 to 9.86% in 2024 — a decline attributed partly to community-driven interventions like Sista2Sista.
As the programme continues to expand, it stands as a beacon of empowerment, health education, and hope for young women across the province.
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