SIKI: First round with a condom and second round without protection gets 215,000 Zimbabweans sick, mainly women!

A silent epidemic is quietly spreading across Zimbabwe, with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the rise, and many cases going undetected due to a lack of symptoms. The Ministry of Health has issued a stark warning, highlighting the alarming trend and the potential for widespread transmission.

“The number of officially recorded cases for STIs in Zimbabwe is just a tip of the iceberg,” said Anna Machiya, National Coordinator, STI Prevention and Condom Distribution in the Ministry of Health and Child Care. “More numbers are recorded in females as opposed to males. However, what is going unrecorded is what we don’t know, and these are the asymptomatic STIs and they constitute the majority of STIs in Zimbabwe.”

The Ministry’s concerns are rooted in a disturbing upward trend in STI cases since 2018. While official figures offer a glimpse into the extent of the problem, the true scale of the crisis is likely far greater, with the silent spread of asymptomatic STIs posing a significant public health threat.

“The reasons behind the increase in STI trends include inconsistent condom use and a number of other reasons,” Machiya explained. “Stock out of STI medicines, consumption of drugs and alcohol then hinder people’s judgment and decisions, the issue of user fees, the symptomatic nature of STIs where infected individuals continue to spread the STIs unknowingly.”

The most common STI recorded in Zimbabwe is vaginal discharge, with an estimated 95,000 cases reported last year. Urethral discharge, primarily caused by Gonorrhoea, accounts for another 80,000 cases, while genital ulcers have also seen a worrying increase, with 40,000 cases reported in 2023 alone. This brings the total number of STI cases reported last year to about 215,000 and the majority of cases are being recorded in women.

“There was a dip in 2021 but now there is an increase,” Machiya said, highlighting the concerning trend in vaginal discharge cases. “For men, who present with urethral discharge, the majority of them, over 70 percent, will be having Gonorrhoea.”

The Ministry’s approach to STI treatment is based on a syndromic approach, relying on identifying symptoms rather than conducting specific tests.

“We have very few point of care tests and to be able to know the specific type of that particular STI,” Machiya said. “The main aims of STIs prevention and control are to prevent the development of diseases, complications and sequelae that follows when STIs are not treated. We also want to interrupt the transmission of STIs using treatment.”

The Ministry is actively working to raise awareness about STIs, emphasising that they are avoidable, treatable, and curable. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications and further transmission.

“We also inform the public regarding information about the asymptomatic nature of infection in some cases and describe recognisable signs and symptoms as well as promote PEP and Presumptive STI treatment,” Machiya said.

The Ministry’s efforts are commendable, but the challenge is significant. The silent nature of asymptomatic STIs makes it difficult to identify and treat infected individuals, allowing the disease to spread unchecked.

The Ministry’s call for increased awareness is critical. It is essential for individuals to be informed about the risks of STIs, the importance of safe sex practices, and the need to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any symptoms.

This is not simply a health issue; it is a social issue. Stigma and misinformation surrounding STIs often prevent individuals from seeking help, contributing to the spread of the disease. Open dialogue, education, and access to affordable healthcare are vital to combatting this silent epidemic.

The Ministry’s efforts are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. A comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the problem, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social stigma, is essential to protect the health and well-being of Zimbabweans.