Masvingo to Commemorate World AIDS Day in Bikita on June 20 18 June 2025. *By Tafara Pande* Masvingo - The National AIDS Council (NAC) Masvingo Province will host this year’s World AIDS Day commemorations on June 20 at Gwindingwi High School grounds in Bikita District, under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right, Our Responsibility.” The commemorations will kick off with a marathon race from Nyika Growth Point to the venue, featuring 5km, 10km, and 21km races, all part of the council’s efforts to promote healthy living and community wellness. According to NAC Masvingo acting provincial manager, Mr. Munyengetero Masunga, pre-launch activities will take place on June 19, including a Candlelight Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives to HIV-related conditions. “This is a time to reflect on the journey we've walked, celebrate progress, and raise hope that one day a cure for HIV will be found,” said Masunga. Pastors and counselors will offer spiritual support during the service. The main event on the 20th will be vibrant and informative. It will feature edutainment, music, drama, poetry, and solidarity speeches all centered around the theme. Key stakeholders including government officials, traditional leaders, civil society, church representatives and the Provincial Development Committee (PDC) members are expected to attend. Mr. Masunga added that this year’s provincial commemorations rotate annually, with Chiredzi hosting in 2023 and Mwenezi in 2024. “This year, all our provincial partners are converging in Bikita,” he said. He also emphasized the broader agenda to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), drug and substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy, which remains a concern. “Since 2015, national teenage pregnancy among 15–19-year-olds has hovered around 23%. We hope continued awareness and action will bring this down,” he concluded. *Edited by Godfrey Gusha*