EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF FOOD INSECURITY AMONG WOMEN AFFECTED BY HIV AND AIDS IN MUFAKOSE SUBURBS IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE

Food insecurity and HIV/AIDS are two intertwined pandemics ravaging Zimbabwe, disproportionately affecting women. The triple challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequality steeped in unethical leadership and misgovernance exacerbate the preceding twin pandemic of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity in Zimbabwe. To mitigate the abovementioned challenge, the multilateral and the bilateral stakeholders in health and food security introduced the multisectoral governance systems in all the United Nations member countries. Notwithstanding the international, regional and local efforts to mitigate both the impact of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity among the women in Zimbabwe, the effects of these twin pandemics have continued to rise among the women and girls in the country. This study investigates the impact of food insecurity on women living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, shedding light on the complex relationships between poverty, nutrition and health. This qualitative study seeks to understand the complexities of human behaviour, experiences and social phenomena in the Mufakose Urban community of Zimbabwe. Women and girls who live with HIV/AIDS between the ages 15 and 49 residing in this community between 2015 and 2017 under antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment were selected as information sources for this study. Twenty (20) informant interviews were conducted, with guided questions aimed at eliciting responses from participants, focusing on household food security. The study established that women living with HIV and AIDS face a plethora of challenges in terms of food insecurity and antiretroviral therapy. This has led to non-adherence for many of them. Most of the women fail to get adequate food and a consistent supply of ARV. Consequently, the study recommends taking a holistic approach to support women living with HIV and AIDS, both medically and nutritionally, without political or undue interference. The study further suggests exploring ways to enable policymakers and government officials to adopt a factual and non-stereotypical tone in supporting people living with HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe.