Midlands records decrease in STI cases

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THE MIDLANDS province has recorded a decrease in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as a result of massive campaigns promoting safe sex methods, a National Aids Council (NAC) official has said.

THE MIDLANDS province has recorded a decrease in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as a result of massive campaigns promoting safe sex methods, a National Aids Council (NAC) official has said.

STEPHEN CHADENGA OWN CORRESPONDENT

Addressing the NAC third quarter stakeholder provincial meeting in Gweru on Thursday, the council’s provincial monitoring and evaluation officer Margaret Mika said there was a decrease in STI cases from 7 795 in 2012 to 7 342 this year.

“There was a decrease in new STI cases in the third quarter of 2013 where 7 342 cases were recorded compared to the same period of 2012 where 7 795 cases were recorded with Gokwe South, Zvishavane and Vungu combined contributing 50% of cases,” Mika said.

However, Mika indicated that gaps in reporting sites in some districts could have contributed to the decrease.

“The issue of gaps in reporting by sites in districts like Mberengwa may also have played a role in the decrease,” she said.

Mika said there was need to intensify STI campaigns in communities to empower them with relevant information on adequate preventive measures.

She said hot spots in the district had to be targeted in STI campaigns.

“There is need to intensify STI campaigns in communities to empower them with relevant information on STIs and the preventive measures. There is need to identify hot spots in the districts and target them with intensive STI and condom programming campaigns,” she said.

Mika also added that there was need to intensify both print and electronic coverage of the female condom as is the case with the male condom to enhance an improvement in its (female condom) uptake.