Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu

Zvandiri Radio Champion, Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu works in the communications and advocacy department of Zvandiri. Paul has tremendous expertise identifying community and health challenges faced by young people living with HIV and turns these topics into radio shows, to share information and to advocate for adolescent health. Paul has been coordinating the production and broadcasting of this peer-led  Zvandiri radio show hosted by young people, which has enhanced their capacity to understand and adopt behaviours to prevent HIV transmission, increase demand for HIV testing, to inform young people about mental health, livelihoods, COVID19 and their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Paul began his journey with Zvandiri in 2016 as a Community Adolescent Treatment Supporter, providing home and clinic visits to young people living with HIV, managing support groups and providing support to caregivers. He has worked with young people living with HIV to help them accept their HIV status, overcome stigma and discrimination, adhere well to their ARVs, attain a suppressed viral load and achieve their hopes and dreams for the future. During these years, Paul’s confidence grew, his contagious smile captured the entire Zvandiri team, and his enthusiasm for new opportunities led him to his current role.

At the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa in 2021 Paul presented on the “Impact of the peer-led Zvandiri Radio Show in improving access to adolescent-led HIV Testing Services and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights services for young people”. This presentation demonstrated how the Zvandiri Radio Show is an innovation that impacts the lives of young people living with HIV in their communities from grassroots to international level.

Paul was selected as one of only eleven out of 250 applicants to become an International AIDS Society Young Leader to lead the conceptualization and design of the Youth Hub – an online networking and learning platform designed by Young Leaders for young people living with and affected by HIV.

Paul is currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management and Information Technology at the Catholic University in Zimbabwe. He believes the priorities, voices and experiences of young people living with HIV must inform, shape and direct all policy and programmes aimed at improving the health, wellbeing and lives of young people living with HIV.