HIV transmission in Zimbabwe is mainly heterosexual though there are still many infections in infants because of lack of access to PMTCT. The epidemic is fuelled by the usual factors – relatively low knowledge levels and consist condom use, and low levels of circumcision.

But Zimbabwe faces further obstacles. Initial research into the drivers of the epidemic shows that the economic crisis in the country means girls as young as 12 years old may be engaged in commercial sex work and be highly mobile to keep this from their families. Commercial sex workers are still marginalized under Zimbabwean law and don’t have specific targeted national prevention programmes. Economic migrants have been highlighted as another target ground needing special attention.