adminWhinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
HWANGE district recorded the highest number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Matabeleland North province, yet it received nearly a half a million condoms, the highest number distributed in the province’s seven districts during the first six months of the year. During the same period, Binga received 214,551 condoms; Bubi 65,290; Lupane 160,200, Nkayi 103,472, Tsholotsho 80,864 and Umguza 54,566. Hwange, with a staggering 444,397 condoms, recorded the highest cases of STIs.
Provincial Aids Coordinator Dingaan Ncube revealed the puzzling figures at a National Aids Council (Nac) Matabeleland North provincial meeting held on Tuesday.
“Hwange district recorded a very high number on STIs by end of June but it is difficult to understand as they also recorded the highest figure in collection and distribution of condoms. There was an increase in the number of new cases reported during the second quarter of 2015 with Hwange recording a total of 883 new STI cases and among those, only 140 tested for HIV and 23 of them tested positive, he said.
“This means, either they are not using them properly or they just collect but don’t use them. The rapid increase in the number of STIs and HIV in this district is shocking and worrisome.” Ncube attributed the staggering number of condoms distributed in the district to an organisation that specialises in sexual health, HIV and AIDS research in Zimbabwe. The fuelling of STIs and HIV could be attributed to increased migration in the district because of the mining sector, construction firms, tourism industry and the truck drivers in the area. The majority of STI cases are in the 25 to 49 age group,” he said.
Online Reporter