BROTHER TO BROTHER INITIATIVE HELPS TO REDUCE HIV INFECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE.

By Hamu Madzedze

The National AIDS Council says the Brother to Brother program(B2B) is yielding positive results since its inception two years ago.

The B2B program is aimed at grooming and mentoring adolescent boys into responsible men and educating them on various HIV issues.

National AIDS Council Provincial Manager for Mashonaland East, Dr Wilfred Dube said the program which is currently running in the country's 51 districts has been effective in reducing HIV infections amongst adolescent boys.

Dr Dube said while the boys will be enjoying the game of soccer, it will also be an opportunity for them to be educated on HIV and other sexual and reproductive health issues which includes HIV testing services.

" While enjoying the game of soccer the boys will also get the time to be educated by their mentors on different HIV and other sexual and reproductive health issues," he said.

He also said male involvement in HIV issues is important if the country is to achieve its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Dr Dube however said there is a need for more funding so that the program can be rolled out to more districts in the country.