News / Health
Children as young as four contract STI
28 May 2017 at 08:11hrs | Views
Shocking statistics have revealed that children as young as four contracted sexually transmitted infections (STIs) last year.
A total of 622 STI cases were recorded among the zero to four years age group and 1 085 for the five to nine years.
3 193 STI cases were recorded among the age groups of 10 and 14 between January and December last year, according to the National Annual 2016 Core Output Indicator Report.
However, health experts attribute cases of STIs recorded among the zero and nine year olds to sexual abuse while some children are reported to have been born with the infections.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care's director for Aids and TB unit, Dr Owen Mugurungi, attributed the high numbers of STIs cases documented among adolescents to a number of factors.
"Due to economic challenges, a number of adolescents are indulging in unprotected sex in inter-generational relationships where they lack the power and skills to negotiate for safe sex" he told the Sunday Mail.
Overally, the country recorded 181 154 cases of STIs last year.
The same report indicates that STI cases are more prevalent in Masvingo, Harare and Manicaland provinces.
Harare constituted 31 657 cases, Masvingo 32 137 cases and Manicaland recorded 23 350 cases.
A total of 622 STI cases were recorded among the zero to four years age group and 1 085 for the five to nine years.
3 193 STI cases were recorded among the age groups of 10 and 14 between January and December last year, according to the National Annual 2016 Core Output Indicator Report.
However, health experts attribute cases of STIs recorded among the zero and nine year olds to sexual abuse while some children are reported to have been born with the infections.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care's director for Aids and TB unit, Dr Owen Mugurungi, attributed the high numbers of STIs cases documented among adolescents to a number of factors.
"Due to economic challenges, a number of adolescents are indulging in unprotected sex in inter-generational relationships where they lack the power and skills to negotiate for safe sex" he told the Sunday Mail.
Overally, the country recorded 181 154 cases of STIs last year.
The same report indicates that STI cases are more prevalent in Masvingo, Harare and Manicaland provinces.
Harare constituted 31 657 cases, Masvingo 32 137 cases and Manicaland recorded 23 350 cases.
Source - Sunday Mail
