Globally, the proportion of new adult HIV infections among Key Populations (KPs) and their sexual partners is 62% (UNAIDS 2019)Key populations constitute small proportions of the general population, but are at elevated risk of acquiring HIV infection due to discrimination and social exclusion. Zimbabwe as a country has committed to the UNAIDS 2016–2021 Strategy calls for bold action to Fast-Track the AIDS response using a human rights-based approach to development- leaving no one behind. It is against this background that the Key populations programme is anchored on. The Key populations (KP) programme is being implemented in the 30 priority high HIV burden districts of Zimbabwe. Selection of these 30 districts was informed by relevant data including the Zimbabwe National Female Sex Work size estimate (2017) and the Men who have Sex with Men IBBS ( 2020) ,Zimbabwe National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan 2021-25 and the Zimbabwe Health Strategy 2021-25. The programme started in October 2009 as the Female sex work programme and has continued to grow steadily as more evidence is being gathered and now include Men who have Sex with Men, Transgender and Communities in Closed settings and Inmates.
With support from the National AIDS Trust Fund, United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR),and the Global fund the KP initiative is focussed on reducing new HIV infections amongst Key and Vulnerable groups. The KPs are receiving a comprehensive ‘layered’ package of services including HIV/GBV prevention, HIV Testing and Counselling Services, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) ,Condoms and Lubricants among other key services. The core package of services is being implemented through the following prime implementing partners: Population Services International (PSI), CeSHHAR,GALZ,SRC,Trans smart,TREAT and TIRZ,ZimSWA ,ZPCS and VSO
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To ensure an efficient, coordinated and sustained national HIV response, the initiative is being coordinated by the National AIDS Council through the recently established KP Technical support Committee and NAC decentralised structures from district to national level, in close collaboration with Ministry of Health and Child Care and other government line ministries and departments.
For more in information on KP programme view or download the documents below.