STI spike alarms minister

Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
HEALTH and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa yesterday bemoaned the increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that he said are now most prevalent among young people, including school children.
“The rate of STIs has gone up and the most affected are young people aged between 15 and 24. These are pupils, college and university students, including you student nurses,” the minister told a graduation ceremony for the Mpilo School of Nursing held at the Bulawayo Large City Hall.

One hundred and two general nurses and 117 midwives graduated.
Dr Parirenyatwa pleaded with Zimbabweans to reduce the risk of contracting STIs by using condoms or abstaining.

“Please let’s prevent STIs because when you get an STI, you’re susceptible to HIV infection. If you can’t abstain, then use a condom. We’re failing to understand a situation where HIV infections are going down and STIs are going up, this means that eventually HIV infections will go up,” added the minister.

He said the country’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 15 percent, adding that the target for zero infections was still achievable through male circumcision and the consistent use of male and female condoms.

Matabeleland North recorded the highest number of STI infections nationally during the second quarter between May and August, according to figures released by the National Aids Council.

Dr Parirenyatwa said the country needed more midwives to stem maternal mortality.