Our History
The Manicaland Centre for Public Health Research started its work in the early 1990’s in response to growing concern about the spread and potential demographic impact of HIV infection in Zimbabwe.
The project was set up to investigate the prevalence of HIV in Manicaland province and the demographic and social effects of the epidemic in the region. Initially, a small-scale prospective survey was undertaken comparing a site in Honde Valley, an area severely affected by the HIV epidemic, with a site in Rusitu Valley, a socio-demographically similar area thought to be less affected by the epidemic. The study found high HIV prevalence rates in rural areas of Zimbabwe and provided the first evidence for excess mortality due to AIDS in the country.
In 1998, a General Population Cohort Survey, was set up to investigate the prevalence of HIV in Manicaland province and the demographic and social effects of the epidemic in the region. Nearly 12,000 adults were interviewed in the baseline survey in 1998. Respondents answered questions relating to demographics, sexual behaviour and HIV prevention. A sample of blood was collected onto filter papers from each respondent and tested for HIV. Since then, five further rounds of the cohort study in Manicaland have been completed. Our questionnaire now covers diverse topics ranging from marital and sexual relationships, health and access to treatment and knowledge and awareness of HIV and AIDS.
The Centre has conducted a number of other research studies on HIV-related topics using qualitative as well as quantitative methods. These studies have included major scientific trials of interventions to reduce the spread of HIV infection due to commercial sex and to reduce the impact of the AIDS epidemic on orphans and other vulnerable children.
The project was set up to investigate the prevalence of HIV in Manicaland province and the demographic and social effects of the epidemic in the region. Initially, a small-scale prospective survey was undertaken comparing a site in Honde Valley, an area severely affected by the HIV epidemic, with a site in Rusitu Valley, a socio-demographically similar area thought to be less affected by the epidemic. The study found high HIV prevalence rates in rural areas of Zimbabwe and provided the first evidence for excess mortality due to AIDS in the country.
In 1998, a General Population Cohort Survey, was set up to investigate the prevalence of HIV in Manicaland province and the demographic and social effects of the epidemic in the region. Nearly 12,000 adults were interviewed in the baseline survey in 1998. Respondents answered questions relating to demographics, sexual behaviour and HIV prevention. A sample of blood was collected onto filter papers from each respondent and tested for HIV. Since then, five further rounds of the cohort study in Manicaland have been completed. Our questionnaire now covers diverse topics ranging from marital and sexual relationships, health and access to treatment and knowledge and awareness of HIV and AIDS.
The Centre has conducted a number of other research studies on HIV-related topics using qualitative as well as quantitative methods. These studies have included major scientific trials of interventions to reduce the spread of HIV infection due to commercial sex and to reduce the impact of the AIDS epidemic on orphans and other vulnerable children.