MATABELELAND North has recorded a reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 5%, according to the latest statistics from the National Aids Council (NAC).
RONALD MOYO OWN CORRESPONDENT
In a statement released on Friday, NAC monitoring and evaluation officer Sibonisiwe Mpofu said Matabeleland North recorded 3 084 new infections between April and June 2013 compared to 3 229 infections recorded in the first quarter of the year.
“There was a 5% decline in the number of STI cases in the second quarter from the first.
The decline is insignificant as it could be done to underreporting, but is worth mentioning,” Mpofu said.
She said the number of pregnant women testing HIV-positive had dropped by 2,6 percentage points.
“The percentage of women testing positive dropped to 7,4% from 10% despite an increase in the number tested,” Mpofu said.
She said despite the drop in STI rates, there is a drop in the number of men being tested for HIV.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“A 2,2% decrease in the number of male partners being tested for HIV at antenatal clinics was noted. Generally the number of males accompanying their spouses on booking visits remains low,” she said.
Mpofu said the NAC distributed over one million condoms between April and June this year compared to 817 534 between January and March.
“An increase of 28% in male condoms distributed was recorded, while female condom distribution increased by 24 %.”
NAC revealed Bulawayo had recorded close to 3 000 new STIs in June stating that it’s an indication of how people are still indulging in casual sex.
