Zimbabwe

Mildmay’s ‘Investing in Child Health’ programme in Zimbabwe ran from 2010 – 2012. It aimed to help 50,000 people infected or affected by HIV – many of them young children
Childrens HIV clinic
In 2003, Mildmay opened a paediatric HIV clinic centre at Harare Children’s Hospital, which it transferred to the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health in 2005. In the same year, we helped remodel community outreach and HIV training in Zimbabwe.
Investing in Child Health
Mildmay’s ‘Investing in Child Health’ programme in Zimbabwe ran from 2010 – 2012. It aimed to help 50,000 people infected or affected by HIV – many of them young children – across rural areas in the Matabeleland South region. The programme aimed not only to impact on young children, but also young adults, women, schools and community organisations.
The programme was funded by the European Union (EU) and run in partnership with the Zimbabwe Association of Church-related Hospitals (ZACH). The main aim of the programme was to directly improve the quality of life of children living with HIV, as well as orphans and vulnerable children affected by the epidemic, by building and strengthening the capacity of community support and care networks.
During its span, the project provided 3,000 basic care packages and offered 3,100 children better care and support services, making life easier for 45,000 family members and carers. The project also trained 117 village health workers and 40 school teachers on paediatric care, antiretroviral therapy and how to support young girls. We also ran awareness workshops for 20 community leaders, preparing them to meet the needs of vulnerable children, especially those affected by HIV.
Peer support groups for vulnerable children, the community and carers were also set up. We built closer links between communities and clinics. Advocacy workshops for schoolmasters and village health workers also helped them to advocate better for the children they work with.
We have shared the results of our programme locally and nationally to help shape future policy.
Image: training session cohort