Siki Yegonera Yajamuka Pa Harare_:Harare Grapples with Alarming Rise in Sexually Transmitted Infections
By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo
The city of Harare is facing a concerning surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with recent data from the National AIDS Council (NAC) revealing over 25,000 new cases recorded in 2024. This troubling trend highlights the need for urgent attention and targeted interventions to address the growing public health challenge.
According to Mr. Adonijah Muzondiona, NAC Harare Provincial Manager, the city registered 25,457 new STI cases, of which 7,523 were repeat infections. This persistence of repeat cases indicates limited treatment follow-up and ongoing transmission. “The increase in STIs highlights a significant public health challenge in Harare, one that requires urgent attention and targeted interventions,” Muzondiona emphasized.
The data shows that the highest prevalence of new infections occurred among individuals aged 40-44 years (3,927 cases) and 45-49 years (3,229 cases), with women disproportionately affected. Among women aged 45-49, 1,844 cases were reported, highlighting gendered vulnerabilities and healthcare gaps in older populations.
The rise in cases has been attributed to a combination of factors, including low condom use, limited awareness, and high population mobility, particularly in informal settlements and among economically vulnerable groups. These factors underscore the need for sustained public health education, stronger outreach, and integration of STI care with other health services.Despite the spike in STIs, Harare has achieved commendable progress in its HIV response, reportedly meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for epidemic control. However, Mr. Muzondiona warned that STI surges could threaten these gains unless integrated prevention efforts are urgently scaled up.
The Minister of Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Cosmas Chiringa, emphasized the need for enhanced domestic funding to sustain the health sector’s response. “While we have the National AIDS Trust Fund, it is evident that we must continue being innovative and increase domestic resources to support the response,” said Chiringa.
The NAC has adopted a data-driven approach to tailor its interventions, focusing on adolescents, young women, sex workers, and informal traders – groups most at risk of infection. Programmes such as Sista2Sista, Brotha2Brotha, and DREAMS are part of NAC’s broader strategy to improve awareness and service uptake.
“These programmes not only create demand for STI and HIV services but also address deep-rooted social and cultural barriers,” said Muzondiona.To combat the STI surge, NAC has called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts in promoting safe sexual practices, reducing stigma, and expanding access to healthcare. “It is imperative that we sustain the gains we have made in epidemic control and continue scaling up prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations,” Muzondiona said.
The challenge ahead is ensuring that limited resources do not stall progress in the fight against both HIV and STIs – and that no one is left behind. Health experts warn that sustained public health education, stronger outreach, and integration of STI care with other health services are crucial to addressing the rising STI cases in Harare.
