Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube and Robin Muchetu in Lupane
TEENAGE pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise among 15 to 19-year-olds in St Paul’s ward, Lupane District, despite a drop in HIV cases, the National AIDS Council (NAC) has revealed.
NAC Lupane District Programme Assistant Thandolwenkosi Vela sounded the alarm during a media tour in the district today.
“Last year we recorded 66 teenage pregnancies in this age group. This year we already have 69 before the end of the year. STI cases have jumped from 24 in 2024 to 50 this year,” Vela said.
She blamed the rise on bush boarding facilities used by learners near a local boarding school. Many parents cannot afford the official boarding fees, forcing students to live alone in nearby accommodation.
“With a shopping centre nearby, learners engage in risky behaviour, leading to pregnancies and STIs. Most of them cannot negotiate safe sex and are trying to meet their needs,” she said.
Despite the spike in pregnancies and STIs, Lupane District registered a drop in HIV prevalence from 18.54 percent in 2024 to 15.5 percent this year.
NAC is now rolling out its Sista2Sista programme in the district. Trained mentors work with adolescent girls and young women to educate them on HIV and help them avoid risky behaviour through projects and guidance.
derick.khumalo