adminAngeline Mpofu Chronicle Reporter
MATABELELAND North province has recorded a marginal five percent decrease in the number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) in the second quarter of this year with 3084 cases recorded compared to 3229 in the first quarter and this could be attributed to a 28 percent increase in condom distribution.
Hwange and Tsholotsho districts recorded the highest number of new infections while Bubi District had the lowest number.
According to National Aids Council (NAC) review report for Matabeleland North covering the second quarter between April and June, 1 681 women recorded new STI cases compared to 1 403 men.
A total of 1,092 million condoms were distributed during the second quarter and of these 1,046 million were for men while
46 025 were for women. In the first quarter 37 205 condoms for women were distributed compared to 817 534 for men.
In her presentation to a stakeholders meeting in Bulawayo recently, NAC chairperson for monitoring and evaluation taskforce, Mrs Sibonisiwe Mugari said the prevalence of new STIs was an indication that condoms were being distributed but were not being used.
“The five percent decline is insignificant suggesting that distributed condoms are not being used. Tsholotsho recorded the highest number of new STI cases suggesting that although condom distribution is on the increase, people are either not using them or were not using them properly,” said Mrs Mugari.
She said there was therefore a need to educate communities on the importance of using condoms properly.
“We need to empower women to negotiate for safe sex in order to protect themselves from contracting STIs,” said Mrs Mugari.
She said most STI infections and repeat visits were recorded from women, a confirmation that they were not empowered to negotiate for safe sex.
“Out of 589 repeat STI visits recorded, 319 were women compared to 270 men in the second quarter. In the previous quarter 329 women came back for treatment compared to 256 men,” said Mrs Mugari.
She said women accounted for a bigger number of STI infections because most men were reluctant to seek treatment yet most infections within households were caused by men.
“There is a need to intensify educational campaigns to empower women to get tested and use condoms when having sex. Some women in rural areas such as Tsholotsho and Umguza are not empowered or educated on the importance of using condoms,” she said.
According to the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey of 2011, the country recorded the highest condom distribution rate in the world between 2005 and 2011.
At the time, the survey showed that 1,3 million Zimbabweans were living with HIV/ Aids and 510 000 of them were on anti-retroviral treatment.
The survey also revealed that Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South were leading when it comes to HIV/Aids prevalence.
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