According to the latest UNAIDS figures, 1.2m people are currently living with HIV in Zimbabwe. The country has made some progress, with both HIV-related deaths and new infections amongst the young decreasing since a peak in the mid-2000s. Significantly, however, 56% of those infected are women, and young women are three times more likely to be infected with HIV compared to young men of the same age.

Our Zimbabwe partner, the Positive Initiative Trust, is a grassroots organisation aiming to  to empower vulnerable groups in the fight against HIV and AIDS, through tackling the stigma associated with AIDS – as well as enhancing acceptance and the integration of the infected and affected into community life.  PIT are established as an NGO, building a robust measurement and evaluation framework for their activity, and have been doing great work in building self-confidence and self-esteem amongst the women which which it works, through a variety of footballing and other sporting activities.

In the summer of 2012, Saving Lives visited Zimbabwe to share experiences with PIT and build some inspiring bridges between our various activities.

Ambassadors

Sebastian Chinhaire Sebastian is the director of Positive Initiative Trust, an HIV charity using sport to support those living with HIV, raise awareness and reduce stigma.