ZIMBABWE HIV CARE AND TREATMENT

The project's primary objective was to monitor, track, and retain people living with HIV in care, contributing to Zimbabwe's attainment of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. ZHCT was implemented in eight districts across three provinces. In a rural community in the district of Gweru in Midlands province, a Community ART Refill Group (CARG) was formed to support individuals living with HIV in accessing and adhering to their treatment. Initially, the group consisted of 12 members, both men and women, aged 30 to 61 years. Through the ZHCT project, these individuals were able to form a support network, sharing ideas, challenges, and stresses. The group's members reported increased empowerment, with one member stating that they were able to afford basic necessities for their family. The CARG members have expanded their activities beyond supporting each other's treatment adherence. They have established a small-scale agricultural project, breeding chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, rabbits, and pigeons, in addition to pigs. The animals are sold to other community members or bartered for staples such as mealie meal and grain. The group meets monthly to review its achievements and make joint decisions, including small-scale lending to members with specific needs. Each member has a role and is responsible for daily activities, including animal care. The group's profits are used to pay for school fees for all members' children or grandchildren. Additionally, they have identified paying for school fees as their biggest challenge and use the profits to pay for several orphans in the community and help the elderly with groceries. The group has achieved viral suppression, with each member taking their anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at 8 pm. The entire group has achieved the ultimate goal of viral suppression, promoting collective health and reducing new HIV infections. The CARG's success has also had a positive impact on the community's mindset. Members reported that the community has learned that individuals living with HIV are not dirty or helpless and can contribute to society. The group's members have gained confidence and are now able to start their own groups or small businesses to help others. The CARG aims to strengthen and expand its current work, including constructing a larger, covered enclosure for the pigs and improving access to water for the animals. Their three-year goal is to become pork producers.