Kwekwe battles rising STI cases

KWEKWE District is grappling with a growing public health concern after cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) surged by 39,6 percent within a month, rising from 328 in March to 458 in April, prompting city authorities to intensify awareness campaigns and condom distribution programmes.

The alarming figures were presented during a Kwekwe City full council meeting held at the Civic Centre last Monday, where councillors and health officials discussed measures to contain the spike amid concerns over low condom uptake, stigma and inadequate sexual health awareness.

Some councillors called for the identification of STI “hotspots”, arguing that beer outlets and certain households were fuelling risky sexual behaviour. However, city health officials and Mayor Albert Zinhanga dismissed the approach, warning that stigmatisation could undermine public health interventions.

Authorities instead pointed to declining condom availability in public spaces, low usage rates and limited awareness as key drivers behind the rise in chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and other reportable STIs, which are now placing pressure on the city’s clinics.

Director of Health Services Mr Munyaradzi Murwira told councillors that surveillance data showed infections were widespread across the city and not confined to specific areas.

“We’ve no proof that this is coming from certain spots or group of people but it’s the whole community. We can’t have solutions based on misconceptions which will stigmatise people. As a department we are carrying out outreach awareness programs on STIs, HIV/AIDS, and drug and substance abuse in the community while targeting students at colleges as well.”

Mr Murwira said STIs remain a key indicator of unprotected sex and increased HIV risk, adding that health promotion teams had intensified outreach programmes in schools and colleges.

He, however, stressed the need for improved access to prevention commodities alongside sustained awareness campaigns.

Mayor Zinhanga described the April figures as concerning, saying the upward trend required urgent intervention from council.

“This issue is not concentrated on one area — it’s emanating from the whole community.

>I’m worried with the surge of STIs in Kwekwe that figure 458 presented today, the number has risen from last month’s figure of 328 plus. It shows that it’s shooting upwards,” Cllr Zinhanga told councillors.

“As city fathers we are worried and concerned with STI surging numbers. Like what the Director of Health said, there are going to increase awareness campaigns in the communities such that citizens will understand about the dangers of STIs. It might be an issue of ignorance, lack of awareness.”

Cllr Zinhanga said council would scale up the distribution of free condoms in clinics, bars and entertainment venues to bridge the prevention gap.

“When we were growing up we could see free condoms inside beerhalls ablution facilities. Nowadays condoms are not easily available in those spaces and people end up indulging in unprotected sex maybe out of ignorance or maybe they could not afford to buy condoms. It’s our duty as council to provide condoms,” said Cllr Zinhanga.

The latest increase continues a worrying upward trend for the city, with public health experts noting that Kwekwe’s focus on universal access to prevention and anti-stigma messaging aligns with global best practice in STI control.

However, experts caution that sustained awareness efforts and consistent condom supply will be critical in reversing the trend.