STI cases rise in Bulawayo despite high condom uptake

Bulawayo health authorities have raised concern over a continued rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the city, despite extensive awareness campaigns and a reported high uptake of male condoms.

The warning was issued by the City of Bulawayo Health Promotion Unit during a recent full council meeting, where officials presented April health statistics and ongoing disease prevention interventions.

City health services director Edwin Mzingagwa Sibanda said health teams conducted 2 753 education sessions in April alone, reaching nearly 66 000 residents through clinics and community outreach programmes.

"In April, we reached 65 950 people through health education and awareness campaigns," Sibanda said, noting that the figure had increased from March.

Despite these efforts, officials said STIs remained a significant public health challenge in the city, largely driven by what they described as low risk perception among sexually active populations.

"Sexually transmitted infections remained a significant public health concern, most likely attributed to low-risk perception," Sibanda told councillors.

The council report indicated that while male condom distribution and uptake remained relatively high, prevention efforts were being undermined by inconsistent and incorrect use, as well as behavioural factors.

Health officials also highlighted persistently low uptake of female condoms, attributing this to discomfort and social stigma.

"Female condom uptake remained low, mainly due to perceived discomfort and awkwardness," the report said.

In response, the city said it would continue strengthening behaviour change communication through clinics, media platforms and community outreach programmes, including radio infomercials on disease prevention and public health awareness.

Beyond STI concerns, Bulawayo also reported strong performance in its expanded immunisation programmes, particularly the recent campaign targeting circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2).

The city achieved an overall vaccination coverage of 98%, exceeding the national target of 95%, with particularly high uptake in northern suburbs.

The campaign, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, included vaccinations at clinics, hospitals, churches, markets, bus termini and public spaces to improve accessibility.

However, officials noted resistance from some vaccine-hesitant groups, with dialogue ongoing to improve acceptance.

"We continue engaging vaccine hesitant groups to ensure all children are protected," the council said.

Meanwhile, the city has begun rolling out injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention at selected clinics, including Cowdray Park Clinic and Bambanani Centre.

The programme targets individuals at high risk of HIV infection and is currently provided free of charge, although officials indicated it may eventually transition to a paid service.

Health authorities say the combination of biomedical interventions and behaviour change campaigns remains central to reducing STI transmission in Bulawayo, even as infection rates continue to present a public health challenge.