AHF’s Community Power Voices Initiative Drives HIV Advocacy and Reduces Stigma in Mutare

By Evans Jona

MUTARE – The Community Power Voices (CPV) initiative under the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has made remarkable strides in combating HIV stigma, eliminating mother-to-child transmission, and strengthening patient rights advocacy in Mutare and surrounding communities, Secretary General of CPV Tawanda Mukuhwa, told Post On Sunday.

During an interview, Mukuhwa said the initiative has been instrumental in reducing the stigma index rate while enhancing community-led health advocacy. “We’ve recorded significant changes in community health and awareness, particularly in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Our sensitization meetings and community dialogues have empowered residents to actively participate in health programs,” he said.

He explained that CPV focuses on community-led advocates and health literacy. “Through CPV, we empower dedicated community advocates to engage directly with patients and healthcare providers. This approach ensures that health interventions are not only delivered but also understood and embraced by the communities themselves,” he added.

The initiative has achieved notable success in improving key health indicators, including lowering the stigma index rate, reducing mother-to-child transmission to below five percent, improving condom accessibility, and enhancing patient retention outcomes. “Our goal has always been to elevate community voices in health advocacy and decision-making processes. We involve marginalized groups such as women, young people, people living with HIV, people with disabilities, and those affected by TB in our programs, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Mukuhwa said.

Previous case studies reported by this publication highlight the impact of AHF and CPV’s work in Mutare. In 2023, coverage detailed CPV-led outreach at Sakubva District Hospital, where community advocates addressed gaps in patient care and infrastructure. Mukuhwa recalled, “Through our engagement, we were able to advocate for essential facilities, including toilets and perimeter fencing at Sakubva District Hospital, addressing a dire community need.”

He emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving these results. “We’ve collaborated closely with the Ministry of Health and the City of Mutare to ensure that our advocacy translates into actionable outcomes. By working with local hospitals and health departments, we’ve built a vital link between the community and decision-makers,” he said.

Community engagement remains a cornerstone of the initiative. Mukuhwa explained that CPV embeds community members within its leadership to identify pressing health challenges and develop practical solutions. “This inclusive approach ensures that the community not only shapes the direction of the initiative but also takes ownership of its success,” he said.

The initiative has also tackled persistent challenges such as stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. He described a training program conducted at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where 13 nurses in charge of critical departments, including ICU, men’s wards, and family child health, were trained to address stigma and discrimination. “These nurses are now equipped to train their teams, creating a ripple effect that transforms patient care and promotes dignity and respect,” he said.

Mukuhwa highlighted CPV’s role in improving access to preventive health tools. “We’ve worked to close gaps in condom availability and improve patient retention in care. These practical interventions complement our broader advocacy efforts,” he added.

Community dialogues have been central to fostering inclusivity and responsiveness. “By holding sensitization meetings and targeted outreach activities, we ensure that the voices of the marginalized, those who are often overlooked, are heard and acted upon. This has a profound effect on health outcomes and community resilience,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mukuhwa outlined priorities for 2026. “We aim to continue advocating for patient rights, further reduce stigma, and scale efforts to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission across Manicaland province. Our work will focus on expanding community engagement and ensuring sustainability,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the initiative has achieved measurable success, the journey has not been without hurdles. “Nothing worthwhile is without challenges. We’ve had to overcome deeply rooted stigma, infrastructure gaps, and barriers to patient retention. But through targeted training, advocacy, and community mobilization, we’ve made significant progress,” he said.

The approach reflects a broader shift toward community-driven health interventions. Mukuhwa explained, “By embedding community members within leadership and engaging directly with both patients and healthcare providers, we create a system that is responsive, inclusive, and sustainable. It’s about making health advocacy part of everyday community life, not just a top-down directive.”

The positive outcomes of CPV’s work are reflected in improved health metrics and strengthened local partnerships. “We track reductions in stigma, mother-to-child transmission rates, condom accessibility, and patient retention. These indicators are not just numbers; they represent real lives positively impacted by our efforts,” Mukuhwa said.

He also highlighted lessons learned, noting that community engagement directly informs policy. “One specific lesson in 2025 led to tangible policy changes. By advocating for patient rights and engaging the local authority, we ensured that facilities like Sakubva District Hospital addressed urgent community needs. This demonstrates the power of community voices in shaping health policy,” he said.

Throughout Mutare and surrounding areas, CPV’s programs continue to influence public perception and behavior regarding HIV. Mukuhwa emphasized that sustained advocacy is key. “Reducing stigma and improving health outcomes is an ongoing effort. We must continue to educate, empower, and engage communities to create lasting change,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming CPV’s commitment to inclusive health advocacy. “Our vision is a community where every person, regardless of their background or health status, has access to quality healthcare, understands their rights, and can participate fully in shaping the services they receive,” Mukuhwa said.

As the Community Power Voices initiative under AHF continues to expand its influence, Mukuhwa’s leadership and the active engagement of community advocates demonstrate how grassroots efforts can lead to measurable, lasting change in public health outcomes.