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Showing posts from March, 2019

The Civic Space: unpacking the constitutional provisions and realities in Zimbabwe

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Transparency International defines civic space as “the freedom and means to speak, access information, associate, organise, and participate in public decision-making”. CIVICUS notes that “Civic space is the bedrock of any open and democratic society. When civic space is open, citizens and civil society organisations are able to organise, participate and communicate without hindrance.” The is common understanding that Civic space is based on three fundamental pillars namely (i) Freedom of Association, (ii) Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and (iii) Freedom of Expression. These freedoms are enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe stipulated as RIGHTS. For this discussion, Civic Space is the human environment which enables citizens to come together, share their interests & concerns and act individually & collectively to influence & shape their future. The Constitution of Zimbabwe was enacted by the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 20 Act, which was gazetted as law on

HIV positive youths: adherence challenges in Masvingo

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Since the first case of HIV was recorded in 1984 in Zimbabwe, there has been a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the epidemic. There are also children who were born already infected with HIV and some of them find it very difficult to accept and cope with this condition they have. Thankfully modern medicine has now made it possible for someone with HIV to live a very long life if they take their medication correctly and consistently. Consistent has been a challenge among youths, in Masvingo to be precise. A lot of young people grew up surrounded by a lot of dreadfulness stories concerning HIV. We have had a steady rise of young people who are defaulting their ARV treatment because of various reasons.   It is saddening and disheartening to meet and hear stories of young men and women who defaulted and ended up losing their lives or requiring another regimen. Notably it has been because they have been misinformed and they have fears they have no idea what to do with them.