In the rural villages of Chiwundura in Vungu district, people living with HIV (PLHIV) are rewriting the story of resilience and community health through innovative peer-led initiatives that are transforming lives.
Community antiretroviral treatment (ART) monitoring visits, driven by Community ART Refill Groups (CARGs) and the Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) programme, have emerged as a lifeline for many, ensuring treatment adherence and reducing stigma in hard-to-reach areas.
The programme is being funded by the National Aids Council (NAC) with support from the Health ministry.
According to the Health ministry data, Zimbabwe has approximately 1,3 million people living with HIV, with 92% on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
In Vungu villagers living with HIV have formed CARGs — self-managed support groups that allow members to take turns collecting medication for the entire group.
This system not only reduces transport costs and clinic congestion, but also builds solidarity.
“We take turns to collect drugs from the clinic, which means each member only travels once every few months,” said Memory Sibanda*, who was at Chinamasa Clinic for a community ART monitoring programme.
“This saves money and time, especially for those in remote areas.”
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NAC provincial manager for Midlands Mambewu Shumba said over 35 000 PLHIV in Midlands were now accessing ART through CARGs, a model credited with pushing adherence rates to above 90% in the province.
For adolescents, stigma and fear often undermine treatment adherence. That is where CATS — trained young people living with HIV — step in as mentors.
“CATS are providing counselling, home visits, and psychosocial support to adolescents living with HIV,” said NAC district Aids coordinator for Vungu, Sukhuoluhle Sibanda.
“This peer-to-peer approach has boosted retention in care among young people, a group historically at higher risk of dropping out of treatment.
“Young people feel more comfortable talking to someone their age who has gone through the same challenges. It builds confidence and hope.”
Nationally, the CATS programme has supported over 70 000 adolescents and young people living with HIV, with Midlands recording steady improvements in viral load suppression among this group.
Sibanda said through community ART monitoring visits, people living with HIV no longer see themselves as passive recipients of care.
“They feel a sense of ownership of the programme,” she said.
“They work as groups in their own communities, coordinate visits, and take responsibility for ensuring that no member is left behind.
“This empowerment has boosted confidence, reduced stigma, and created strong networks of mutual support.”
She said these groups were not just waiting for instructions from the clinic.
“They work independently, identify challenges, and come up with practical solutions to improve adherence and access,” Sibanda said.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care, together with NAC, provides only guidance and technical support, while the day-to-day running of community ART groups is driven by the people themselves.”
Mambewu said peer-led strategies were critical to achieving Zimbabwe’s commitment to the UNAids 95-95-95 targets — ensuring that 95% of PLHIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on ART, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression by 2030.
“Our involvement in monitoring and supporting treatment is reducing stigma, cutting costs, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Nomatter Gumbo, district coordinator for PLHIV in Vungu. “It’s an empowerment approach that strengthens both health systems and communities.”
For Gumbo and other PLHIV, peer support is more than just about pills — it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence and proving that communities can lead in their own health response.
*Not real name
