THE National Aids Council (NAC) said it recorded a 19% increase in sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the second quarter of this year although it had stepped up the distribution of condoms. FELUNA NLEYA
According to NAC’s second quarterly report released this week, 16% of the STI cases were found to be HIV positive.
“There is a 19% increase from 42 405 recorded in first quarter to 50 524,” reads the report.
At least 28 248 480 condoms were distributed in the second quarter against 25 079 937 which were distributed in the first quarter.
A total of 1 321 291 female condoms were distributed in the first quarter while 1 349 626 were issued during the second quarter.
Health experts say the rise in STI cases was an indication that people were either not consistently using the free condoms or shunning them altogether. They added that the latest statistics could just be a tip of the iceberg as some STI-infected people could be seeking treatment at private health institutions or traditional practitioners. Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa recently said condom usage in Zimbabwe had steadily increased over the years.
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