118 Zimbabwe teachers die of Aids

118 Zimbabwe teachers die of Aids

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By Staff Reporter

AT LEAST 118 Zimbabwean school teachers died of HIV/Aids related illnesses during the first school term this year, a teachers' union said Tuesday.

In a statement, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Raymond Majongwe said the country’s teachers have also failed to access funds from the National Aids Council (Nac) despite contributing more than $30 billion.

“To date, despite our contributions, no teacher has benefited from NAC funds where teachers contribute well over $30 billion a month. We have lost 118 teachers to HIV/Aids related illness this year and its time to reduce the attrition rate,” said Majongwe.

He added that the PTUZ held a National Executive Committee meeting on 21 May 2006 and resolved to set up a fund as a result of neglect of its members by Nac.

He said: “It was resolved that members contribute $20 000 over and above the $250 000 membership subscription and the 150 000 bereavement fund. This is as a result of the neglect we have suffered at the hands of the National Aids Council (NAC).

“The PTUZ remains unwavering in their quest to ensure that infected and affected teachers receive maximum support. We have therefore formed the PTUZ Aids support Network for teachers. In our endeavor to encourage teachers to come out in the open and register with us."

Aids is the biggest cause of death in Zimbabwe, with recent reports saying that as many as 2000 die weekly from the disease which has no cure.
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