By Michael Gwarisa
The surge in new Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is a clear indication that Zimbabweans may be engaging in unprotected sex, a trend that could reverse the HIV gains recorded so far, top health officials have warned.
Between January and June 2024, Zimbabwe recorded the highest number of new STI cases, with some infections showing resistance to available antibiotics.
This was confirmed by Mr. Sinokuthemba Xaba, the National Condom and Male Circumcision Coordinator in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), during a media training session for Community Radio Stations on HIV Reporting hosted by the National AIDS Council (NAC).
According to data from the Ministry of Health, cases of vaginal discharge increased from 45,807 in 2023 to 46,859 in 2024. Among men, urethral discharge cases rose from 40,153 in 2023 to 41,888 in 2024, while other forms increased from 23,323 to 23,380 over the same period.
The rise in STIs in Zimbabwe could mean several things, but mainly it shows that people are having unprotected sex and possibly using condoms less frequently. We have also noted that some STIs, especially gonorrhea, are becoming resistant to treatment,” said Mr. Xaba.
He added that there is a need to investigate further to understand the reasons behind the surge in STIs. Currently, there are no specific studies addressing this increase in Zimbabwe.
“The studies we have are from the STIs Sentinel Surveillance, with sites in Beitbridge, Bulawayo, Harare, and Chitungwiza, where we monitor resistance, particularly in gonorrhea. There could be multiple reasons for the rise in STIs, including the unavailability of commodities. We also need to assess if condoms are widely accessible and whether people are seeking treatment at clinics.”
There is a well-documented link between STIs and increased vulnerability to HIV infections. STIs can cause inflammation and lesions, which make it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream during sexual contact, thereby heightening the risk of new infections.
The National AIDS Council (NAC) has observed a declining perception of HIV risk among young people, which they believe could be a ticking time bomb for the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe. Although new HIV infections in Zimbabwe have declined since 2010, approximately 19,000 new infections were recorded by December 2023.
Mr. Amon Mpofu, the National AIDS Council Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, noted that the increase in infections among young people threatens the country’s HIV response efforts.
“Our vision is to have an AIDS-free generation. However, the rise in new infections, especially among young people, is concerning. This could lead to another HIV epidemic,” said Mr. Mpofu.
“When we were growing up, fear-based messages prompted immediate behavior change. Now, young people see those with HIV living healthily, so HIV is no longer seen as frightening, and they are engaging in risky sexual behavior.”
He added that economic activities such as artisanal mining and farming are also contributing to the spread of the epidemic as people move between regions.
