Onward Chironda

Onward is a religious leader and an advocate for gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights for individuals whoa are most often marginalised. He works with youth- led and youth-serving organisations and religious institutions to improve access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV services such as HIV testing and counselling and access to prevention options such as PrEP for key populations. He helps monitor health service providers and pushes the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Council to expand access to services.

In Their Own Words

My project focused on the promotion of access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), HIV prevention and management services for Key Populations (KPs) in Zimbabwe. The project focused on influencing an inclusive Adolescent Health Implementation Strategy (ASRH) which has been achieved through participating and influencing the participation of young KPs in the development of the ASRH strategy. I have worked with 20 religious leaders through trainings on SOGIE/SC which leading to virtual conversations where religious leaders have intentionally committed to ending stigma and discrimination for KPs. The project also engaged 15 KP-led organizations to strengthen their capacity as well supporting their engagement in the Global Fund and PEPFAR processes to increase funding for community-led organizations in HIV prevention work. My engagement in the Global Fund process as part of the writing team in Zimbabwe ensured that KP issues are prioritized in the country’s concept note.

Media

• CAB-LA Game Changer for Closing the Leaks to New HIV Infections among Young People — Health Times
• Zimbabwe AVAC Fellow Wins BIG — Health Times
• LGBTI Community Engages Churches to End Hypocrisy — zimnow

Materials

• Digital Conversation on Religion, Sex and Sexuality