THE City of Bulawayo Health Promotion Unit has expressed concern over rising cases of sexually transmitted diseases in the city despite a high uptake of male condoms and ongoing HIV prevention efforts, Southern Eye can report.
This was revealed in a full council meeting recently amid reports that the unit served approximately 66 000 residents through health education and awareness campaigns in April this year.
Health services director Edwin Mzingagwa Sibanda told the meeting that 2 753 health education sessions were conducted at clinics during April, reaching 65 950 people.
The figure marked an increase from March this year when 2 527 sessions reached 63 150 residents.
Sibanda also revealed that social and behaviour change communication activities used various platforms to improve public awareness on health issues and disease prevention.
Three radio infomercials focusing on poliomyelitis, malaria and licensing and registration of premises were aired on the local radio during the reporting period.
The health department also revealed that despite a high uptake of male condoms and ongoing HIV prevention efforts, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remained a major public health concern.
“Sexually transmitted infections remained a significant public health concern, most likely attributed to low-risk perception,” Sibanda told the meeting.
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Health officials said condom distribution alone was insufficient without consistent and correct usage, as well as behaviour change.
According to a council report, uptake of female condoms remained low due to discomfort perceptions and social attitudes.
“Female condom uptake remained low, mainly due to perceived discomfort and awkwardness,” the report said.
Authorities said the city and its partners would continue community education campaigns on safe sexual behaviour and condom use.
The local authority said Bulawayo participated in the regional synchronised Novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2) campaign conducted in partnership with the Health and Child Care ministry and development partners.
The campaign targeted children under five years old following confirmation of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) linked to earlier outbreaks detected through environmental surveillance.
The first round of the campaign was conducted from April 20 to 23, 2026, with the second round having started on Tuesday and ending today.
Bulawayo was selected because of its high population mobility and being a major transport link.
Vaccinations were administered at municipal clinics, central hospitals, Mater Dei Hospital, churches, markets, bus termini, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, Luna Park and outreach centres.
According to the report, Bulawayo achieved an overall vaccination coverage of 98%, surpassing the national target of 95%.
The local authority said northern suburbs achieved the highest coverage at 109%, while Emakhandeni reached 98% and Nkulumane (88%).
“The success was attributed mainly to community leaders’ support, caregivers’ high-risk perception, robust social mobilisation and partner support,” the city said.
However, health officials said the campaign faced resistance from vaccine hesitant groups.
“Dialogue continues with the vaccine hesitant groups to ensure that all children are protected,” the report said.
Council also intensified health information dissemination through televisions installed at 19 of the city’s 25 health facilities.
A total of 245 hours of health education videos were played covering topics such as immunisation, HIV and Aids, tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, nutrition, asthma, mental health, monkey pox and gender-based violence.
During deliberations, councillor Roy Sekete sought clarification on the rollout of injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PreP) for HIV prevention.
Responding to the question, Sibanda said the programme had already started at Cowdray Park Clinic and Bambanani Centre, with plans to expand it to all clinics in the city.
“The injection is for prevention of HIV and is only administered to screened recipients who are at high risk, including those living with HIV-positive partners and commercial sex workers.”
He added that the injectable PreP was being provided free of charge, although it could eventually become a paid service.
