Masimba Biriwasha

RH Reality Check, Africa & Asia

Masimba Biriwasha is a children's writer, poet, playwright, journalist, social activitist and publisher. He has experience working in HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe and Thailand. He is currently working for Health & Development Networks, an HIV/AIDS advocacy organization based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

New Thinking Required to Win the Fight

Masimba Biriwasha

In order to make real progress, there has to be a paradigm shift in our perception of sex and sexuality in the context of HIV. Money tied with restrictions that exclude many groups and limit access to services will only save to extend the lifeline of the epidemic.

Americans and the Caribbean HIV Explosion

Masimba Biriwasha

For both self-protection and for humanitarian reasons, Americans should be seriously concerned about the explosion of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, where the reality of sex workers and the Global Gag Rule are factors in the continuing spread of the disease.

Unsafe Abortion Leads to Maternal Death

Masimba Biriwasha

In Zimbabwe, abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, fetal impairment, or to preserve a woman's health, is illegal - and if caught, women face jail terms. As a result, many women resort to clandestine, unsafe and life-threatening abortion methods.

In Asia, Sexual Minorities Demand Equality

Masimba Biriwasha

Protecting the sexual and reproductive health rights of every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, is essential for a just social order. However, in many parts of Asia, sexual minorities face serious human rights violations.

Better Sex Ed Needed for African Adolescents

Masimba Biriwasha

It is not enough to teach adolescents the theory and moral aspects of sex - they also need life skills to deal with practical situations. Denying that young people engage in sexual activity is a recipe for disaster and a better response requires equipping adolescents with adequate knowledge to protect themselves.

Zambia’s Voiceless Children

Masimba Biriwasha

Nothing short of a Herculean effort is required to help the growing legion of orphans in Zambia to lead normal lives. A holistic approach including provisions for nutrition, health and cognitive development, and educational and psychosocial support is required to effectively respond to the orphan crisis.