HWANGE has recorded the highest number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Matabeleland North despite the mining town taking a leading role in condom uptake.
BY NQOBANI NDLOVU
Hwange recorded 883 new STI cases, followed by Umguza (443) and Lupane (306) while Binga recorded the least at 156, according to latest statistics from the National Aids Council (NAC).
However, according to the Matabeleland North NAC second quarter programme update for 2015, the whole province recorded a combined decline in new STIs compared to the first quarter.
“The trend in the STI cases in both quarters was such that there were more females than males with STIs.
“There was a slight decline in the number of cases from the first quarter to the second quarter [by 4% among males and 0,4% among females]. More interventions still need to be implemented to reduce the prevalence of STIs in the province,” the Matabeleland North NAC second quarter programme update for 2015 reads.
New STI infections in Matabeleland North dropped from 1 212 and 1 155 to 1 207 and 1 105 for women and men, respectively. The majority of STI cases were in the 25 to 49 age group.
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Despite Hwange recording the highest number of new STIs, the province led in the uptake of condoms necessary to prevent pregnancies and STIs.
“Hwange recorded the highest number of male condoms (444 397) distributed in the province and the least was Umguza district (54 566). Lupane district recorded the highest number of female condoms distributed (16 308). The high numbers recorded at Hwange and Lupane could be attributed to CeSHAAR,” the report added.
CeSHHAR Zimbabwe is an organisation that specialises in sexual health, targeting mainly sex workers.
