Zimdailyjournal Senior Reporter
The National AIDS Council (NAC) has commended Zimbabwe Community Health Intervention Research (ZICHIRE) for its Brother2Brother initiative, saying the programme comes at a critical time when vulnerable communities such as Hopley and Epworth are grappling with high STI infections.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Brother2Brother Sports Gala in Hopley, Southern District AIDS Coordinator Lloyd Sinandima said the initiative could play a significant role in tackling rising STI cases while empowering boys to become responsible men.
Sinandima revealed that Hopley recorded 7,000 STI cases in 2025, up from 4,800 in 2024.
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The community had also recorded more than 6,000 cases in both 2022 and 2023.
At least 900 repeat STI cases have already been reported this year, with women bearing the greatest burden.
NAC says investing in boys and young men through mentorship, health education and positive social engagement could also help address gender-based violence (GBV), which increases women’s vulnerability to STIs and HIV.
Through sport, mentorship and access to youth-friendly health services, Brother2Brother is seeking to go beyond the playing field, building healthier communities by nurturing informed, empowered and responsible young men.
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