Zimbabwe: young people on the front lines of HIV/AIDS

HIV prevalence rates across Zimbabwe have dropped from 24.6% to 20.1% over the past two years, reportedly due to changes in sexual behaviour, including less casual sex, delayed sexual debut and consistent condom use, particularly among young people.  Oxfam partner the Matabele AIDS Council (MAC), helps influence attitudes and behaviour through programs like 'Young People We Care. The program is run on a volunteer basis by young women and men offering services in the community like home-based care and assistance with funerals. It ensures  youth are involved in reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS and exposes young men to many chores  traditionally regarded as 'women's jobs. The project is helping to address the issue of gender roles that lead women to be overburdened. 

MAC also works with community agricultural extension officers to create and operate small, easily maintained gardens producing crops with high nutritional value for families living with HIV/AIDS.