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Graduate alive; Zinasu tells students
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
December 01, 2007

Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) joins the rest of the world in commemorating World AIDS Day. This years' Global theme is focusing on 'leadership'.

Unfortunatley, as a direct result of obtrusive leadership failure, Zimbabwe remains one of the worst affected countries with more than 3000 people dying of HIV/AIDS-related diseases every week. Further, Ruffian leadership, unbridled corruption and flagrant violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms has led to the exclusion of Zimbabwe from the beneficiaries of the Global AIDS Fund this year.

Students in Zimbabwe, just like most youths have not being spared by the HIV/AIDS incubus. The scary socio-economic and political climate obtaining in Zimbabwe has forced many students to unwillingly engage in prostitution as a coping strategy.

Female students are the worst affected. This year, on the 9th of July, the Vice Chancellor at the University of Zimbabwe, Professor Levy Nyagura unilaterally closed all the Halls of Residence at the campus, rendering more than 5600 students homeless. The female students occupied 5 of the 7 Halls of Residence which were closed.

Tragically, many female students had to seek shelter to their distant relatives, male-friends among others thereby exposing them to sexual abuse. It is also allegedly that some unscrupulous public transport operators are now demanding 'free' sex for a 'free' ride.

To further compound the situation, the Government of Zimbabwe long ceased the provision of student loans and/or grants. This has left more than 80% of students in Zimbabwe living in extreme, abject and chronic poverty. Put differently, the majority of students in our country are surviving on less than U$1 per day.

Both male and female condoms are being sold at the black market rate which is way beyond the reach of many students in the present day Zimbabwe.

However, according to UNICEF, it is encouraging to note that the overall HIV prevalence among antenatal clinic attendees (pregnant women) decreased from 25.7per cent in 2002 to 21.3per cent (2004) and now to 17.7per cent in 2006. Basing on this, Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and international experts now estimate the HIV zero-prevalence rate among Zimbabwe's adult population to be 15.6 per cent.

Zimbabwe was one of the first countries to develop a comprehensive epidemiological review which resulted in an evidence-based behaviour change strategy. Promotion of partner reduction and consistent condom use remain at the core of the strategy.

Mindful of the foregoing, we call upon all students to protect themselves from the deadly virus and make sure that we GRADUATE ALIVE.

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