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Zimbabwe's HIV/AIDS Population Obscured, Decimated By Cholera Epidemic


The cholera epidemic ravaging Zimbabwe has commanded the attention of public authorities and international relief organizations, but meanwhile a less-visible tragedy is unfolding among those living with – and dying in large numbers from – HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS advocates say resources have been concentrated on fighting the cholera epidemic, draining funds away from programs supporting those living with HIV/AIDS, who are highly vulnerable to the cholera bacterium which is almost ubiquitous in the country.

Research suggests about 15% of Zimbabwe's population is HIV-positive.

Frenk Guni, technical director for HIV-AIDS with Management Systems International in Washington, told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that someone is dying from HIV/AIDS every three minutes in Zimbabwe.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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