By Valentine Maya
A youth-led group has launched a mobile app to help young people living with HIV manage mental health challenges and stigma, promising confidential support and easier access to care.
Positive Konnections, developed with Renewal Trust, debuted at Health Point Medical Centre in Belgravia.
The app offers private counselling, simple self-help tools and a “superhero” theme to make conversations about HIV and mental health less scary for teens and young adults.
“We’re calling mental health the new pandemic,” said clinical psychologist Dr Vongai Munatsi, director of Positive Konnections. “
About 84.4 per 100,000 people are trying to commit suicide or have suicidal thoughts.”
She said too many adolescents stop treatment because of shame and silence, calling it a “slow suicide” that can be prevented with the right support.
Munatsi said Zimbabwe has a severe shortage of professionals to meet demand: 19 psychiatrists, 35 psychologists, 956 mental health nurses and 105 occupational therapists for a population of roughly 15 million to 17 million. “It’s a drop in the ocean,” she said.
The app aims to close some of that gap by meeting young people where they are—on their phones.
It lets users talk to trained counsellors one-on-one, learn coping skills and get referrals to services, including sexual and reproductive health care.
“You can truly open up because there’s no face-to-face intimidation or fear of being judged,” said Tanyaradzwa Gotora, one of the first 300 pilot users, who reported feeling better after four months on the platform.
Government officials signalled support.
Atraimo Chaurura, deputy director in the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s IT department, praised the innovation and said the ministry wants to help keep it running.
He also backed efforts to “zero-rate” the app—meaning young people could use it without data charges. “In terms of hosting and supporting the application for sustainability, you can lean on us,” Chaurura said.
He added that zero-rating models, where donors cover SMS or data costs, can widen access.
Chaurura said his department is ready to help Positive Konnections grow into a national digital hub for youth mental health, linking thousands of young people to early help.
“We remain committed to working with Renewal Trust and all partners to ensure no young person faces psychological distress alone—no one gets left behind,” he said.
Positive Konnections plans to add tools for substance-use concerns and general anxiety, expanding beyond HIV-related distress.
For teens and young adults, the goal is simple: private, respectful support that makes it easier to stay on treatment, stay safe and stay hopeful.
Nice job journalist Maya , keep the flag high
Massive.