29/03/2026
In October 2023, Zimbabwe took a significant step forward in strengthening its response to HIV and AIDS through a South-to-South learning visit to Kenya one of the leading countries in successfully implementing harm reduction strategies. This visit marked a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s journey toward adopting evidence-based approaches to support people who use and inject drugs, a population that remains at heightened risk of HIV transmission.
Driven by the advocacy efforts of SSDP Zimbabwe and ZCLDN, the urgent need for harm reduction services gained national attention, prompting key institutions such as the National AIDS Council (NAC) and UNAIDS to take action. The learning exchange provided an opportunity for Zimbabwean stakeholders to gain firsthand insight into Kenya’s progressive policies, community-based interventions, and integrated service delivery models.
The delegation was composed of influential leaders and stakeholders committed to advancing public health and human rights. Among them were Vongai Charity Dheka, Director of SSDP Zimbabwe; Wilson Box, Director of ZCLDN; and Member of Parliament Daniel Molokele. They were joined by representatives from NAC, as well as development partners including Sarah Musungwa from United Nations Development Programme and Jeremiah Manyika from UNAIDS.
This collaborative engagement not only fostered knowledge sharing but also laid a strong foundation for policy dialogue and reform in Zimbabwe. By learning from Kenya’s success, Zimbabwe is now better positioned to prioritize harm reduction as a critical component of its national HIV response ensuring that no population is left behind.
