Search on for Miss HIV-positive

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THE search for Matabeleland South’s top HIV-positive model is underway following the launch of a new modelling contest.

THE search for Matabeleland South’s top HIV-positive model is underway following the launch of a new modelling contest.

ALBERT NCUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT

Fifty-six HIV-positive women will take to the ramp next weekend to battle it out in the finals of the inaugural Matabeleland South Miss HIV-Positive provincial modelling contest.

The event aimed at helping fight the HIV stigma, is being organised by Zimbabwe National Network of People living with HIV (ZNNP+) and will be held at Gwanda District Club on November 23. ZNNP+ Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Lillian Mathias said the contest would draw HIV-positive youths from the seven districts of Matabeleland South province.

“It is a way of fighting the stigma associated with HIV and we are saying being positive should not hinder anyone from achieving their goals,” said Mathias.

The modelling show, to be held under the theme “Breaking New Grounds, Burying Stigma and Discrimination”, will see the models competing for two crowns in different age categories.

“Youths aged below 25 years and seniors above 30 will contest for the two crowns. I urge members of the public to come in their numbers to support this event.

“We have decided to hold the event in Gwanda as the town has a high HIV prevalence rate and it’s going to be an awareness campaign as well as a fundraising event for people living with HIV,” Mathias said.

Gwanda dance groups Ghetto Smurfs and Ebony Arts will provide entertainment.