By: Joseph Madyagwayi

Bio
Joseph Madyagwayi is a trained Community Health Worker (CHW) from Gokwe South District in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province. He trained with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Child Care in 2020 and later took courses in Basic Counselling through Angel of Hope Foundation in partnership with Zimbabwe Open University, and in Problem Solving Therapy with Friendship Bench. In 2025, he completed an online course in CHW Advocacy. Joseph serves as the Spokesperson for Zimbabwe CHW Advocates and volunteers his time working with men in his community, especially around HIV education, behavior change, and mental health. His mission is to engage more men in conversations that lead to healthier, more informed lives.

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In my community, many men are quietly drowning. We are expected to provide for our families and to be the backbone yet, so many of us are unemployed, under immense pressure, and have nowhere to turn. Without jobs, without support, without a place to speak honestly, many of us end up using alcohol and drugs as a way to escape. I know this because I was one of them.

In Zimbabwe, around 75% of men face formal unemployment. The pressure to live up to cultural expectations of being the breadwinner becomes unbearable. When a man cannot feed his family, when he feels like he is failing, depression creeps in. That is when many turn to alcohol and substance use, not because they are reckless, but because they are in pain and don’t know how else to cope.

This path doesn’t just lead to addiction; it pulls men deeper into risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, multiple partners, gender-based violence, and even crime. The cycle of alcohol, depression, and unsafe choices fuels the spread of HIV and other STIs. And because we are taught to “be strong,” most men don’t seek treatment until it is too late.

My own story is no different. I was unemployed and drinking heavily. I fell into the same pattern of alcohol, poor choices, and no direction as many men in my community. But everything shifted in 2020, when I received a call that would change my life.

Dr. Josiah Makombe, my then local councillor from Gweru Urban Ward 2, called me about a training opportunity to become a Community Health Worker (CHW). It was during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and I had my doubts, especially because I had been quarantined. None of the other men in my ward wanted to join. But I figured I had nothing to lose. I was jobless and directionless, and this seemed like something to fill the time.

I arrived three days late to the training at St. Patrick’s Mission Hospital in Chiwundura. Out of 50 trainees, only three of us were men. I felt completely out of place. But I pushed through. I started enjoying the science and health lessons, which reminded me of high school biology. Despite being behind, I scored 88% on my first test, higher than some who had started on time.

By the end of the training, I passed with 100% and was even rated one of the top presenters. That gave me confidence. I began to believe I had something real to offer.

After training, I was placed for fieldwork. My supervisor saw potential in me and encouraged me to continue. I later trained in Problem Solving Therapy (PST) and Basic Counselling, earning more certificates.

Buoyed by the interest I had in serving my community as a community health worker, I committed to quitting alcohol.  You cannot help other men stop drinking if you are still drinking yourself. I also joined Johane the 5th of Africa International Church and embraced a new path, committed to living as an example.  I was appointed Church Coordinator, and soon after, I was promoted to Provincial Spokesperson for Midlands Province. That recognition, especially from fellow men, felt like a second chance at life and I took that hope and energy into my work as a CHW.

Today, I work with men in my community. Men who are where I used to be. I lead outreach programs, often using sports like football as a way to gather groups and start conversations. I carry condoms, educational materials, and speak to men about risky behavior and the importance of HIV testing and treatment. In places where men drink and meet women, I show up, not to judge, but to educate. Being a church elder has further helped me be accepted and heard.

From April to June 2025, I worked with 20 men, six of whom were treated for STIs. I have helped many get tested for HIV and referred them for care. Right now, I am running a behavior change program that stretches from July to September 2025. I track progress and submit reports monthly to the District National AIDS Council Coordinator.

My past life gives me insight. I know the signs. I know the hiding places. That makes me more effective.

I want to do more. I plan to study for a diploma in counseling so I can offer deeper, more professional support. I hope to build a network where men across Zimbabwe and even beyond can connect and educate each other on behavior change, especially around alcohol, drugs, and risky behavior. My dream is to become a resource person nationally and globally on the link between substance use and HIV.

My message to fellow CHWs and decision-makers is not to leave men behind. Male engagement is not just a nice idea. It is necessary. If we want to achieve Vision 2030 and reduce HIV infections, men need to be informed, empowered, and involved at every step.

Let us stop pretending men are fine. Start meeting them where they are, and help them rise.