UMGUZA district in Matabeleland North recorded the highest number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the second quarter of this year with Bubi having the least at 90.
NQOBILE BHEBHE CHIEF REPORTER
According to latest figures released at the National Aids Council (NAC) stakeholders’ meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, the province, which has seven districts, had 2 030 new STI cases and 838 (41%) of the patients were tested for HIV.
This is an increase from 1 675 new cases recorded in the first quarter.
NAC monitoring and evaluation officer Mthokozisi Moyo said: “2 030 STI cases were recorded in the province and 838 (41%) were tested for HIV. The majority (59%) of the STI cases did not test for HIV as the prevalence of STI can be used as a proxy indicator of non-condom use.”
According to the report, Binga had 181 new STI cases, Bubi (90), Hwange (174), Lupane (391), Nkayi (275) and Tsholotsho had 374. The report does not indicate the prevalence among the sexes.
Of the people who tested HIVpositive, Binga had one, Bubi (16), Hwange (11), Lupane (71), Nkayi (21) and Umguza had 7.
“Binga district had the lowest number of STI cases tested for HIV (37) and the lowest percentage of positivity. Tsholotsho had the highest number tested while Lupane had the highest percentage positivity. All districts should be encouraged to scale up HIV testing STI clients,” Moyo added.
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The report indicates that in the first quarter, 43% of STI cases were tested for HIV while in the period under review, 41% were tested.
Meanwhile, some stakeholders raised concern that scores of women in Matabeleland South were flocking to health centres seeking removal of the family planning Jadelle (levonorgestrel) implants. Participants said a top politician in the province had said that method of family planning caused cervical cancer.
“One prominent politician in Matabeleland South told the media that Jadelle causes cervical cancer. That has caused panic as scores of women are visiting health facilities to remove the implant. This is worrying as that is just a myth, but has caused panic.
It risks reversing the gains that have been made by the government and other stakeholders,” a participant said.
