Digital Tools Aid Zimbabwean Migrants in Maintaining HIV Care

By David Okafor

Zimbabwe is employing digital tools to maintain continuity in HIV treatment for migrants returning from South Africa, where deportations and anti-immigrant sentiment have disrupted care. The International Organization for Migration's 'HIV Knows No Borders' programme in Beitbridge is a key initiative aimed at reconnecting these individuals with necessary healthcare services.

The programme offers community-centered HIV testing and care, directly addressing the treatment interruptions faced by mobile populations. In addition, a pilot telehealth scheme in Chikomba West enables virtual consultations via the Batsi Health platform, supported by courier delivery of medications, which is expected to reduce medication default rates.

Since July 2020, the Kutabila virtual platform has provided a toll-free call center across Zimbabwe's ten provinces, receiving over 5,198 calls in the first half of 2021. These calls primarily concerned access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), stigma, and service availability, indicating the platform's role in troubleshooting care barriers.

From 2017 to 2023, Zimbabwe expanded HIV prevention outreach by over 50% among adolescent girls and young women, and by 135% among key populations, facilitated by digital tracking systems and the distribution of over 5,900 mobile devices to community health workers.