Zvandiri Center Launch

Wilkins hospital in Harare was host to the official opening of the Zvandiri Centers on the 12th of November 2013. The centers have been under construction since last year and the aim of the centers is to cater for adolescents living with HIV and provide HIV treatment, care and support in an adolescent friendly environment. Each center is being managed by 2 CATS members so that adolescents have someone they can relate to and discuss health matters affecting them. Adolescents living positively most times find themselves feeling inadequate but by having an HIV positive peer to speak to them, they feel supported and understood.

These adolescents should be treated the same despite what is in their bloodstream. One adolescent once said instead of changing myself over and again, I want YOU to take, understand and see me as I am-ZVANDIRI. The invited guests included the guest of honor Councilor Mukunguma, representing His Worship, the Mayor of Harare; Dr Duri, Acting Director of Health Services, Harare City Health Department; Mrs. Munyaradzi, Head of Nursing, City Health Department; Mr. Zinyanya, Ministry of Public Services, Labour and Social Welfare; Mrs. Allet Sibanda and Beulah Senzanje both from UNICEF; Professor Luthy and Marion Mukasa Batende from Newlands clinic; Heads of Department, Matrons, nurses and Health promoters from the City Health Department. We also learnt of a big role being played by the Health promoters (community based care/mbuya nyamukuta) as they provided this information through song. CHIPAWO and Shining stars dance team did their best not to be outdone in entertaining the guests.

Other centers besides the one located at Wilkins hospital are situated in the following areas- Rutsanana clinic in Highfield/Glen Norah, Newlands clinic, Mabvuku Polyclinic and they are all fully functional. We hope by this time next year the centers still under construction will be completed.