Asymptomatic nature of major STIs a concern

Patricia Mashiri

Anna Machaya, the National Coordinator STI Prevention and Condom Distribution in the Ministry of Health and Child Care has raised a concern over the growing number of Sexually Transmitted Infections with the major of them being asymptomatic.

Speaking during a science café, Machaya highlighted that a number of STIs in the country remain unknown.

“The number of officially recorded cases for STIs in Zimbabwe is just but a tip of the Iceberg and 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.

“And without data or surveillance on the magnitude of STIs, it is very difficult to really know what is happening. What we see now are those that then become sick and present at our facilities, and these are the STIs that we are able to capture. So, these ones asymptomatic continue to spread, and this is one reason that also may fuel the spread of STIs,” she said.

She emphasised that there is need to improve health system in preventing the spread of STIs.

“Ensure widespread to access to condoms and comprehensive condom education, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their sexual health, reduce their risk of STIs and prevent unintended pregnancies, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier community.

We need to interrupt the transmission of sexually acquired infections through improved contact tracing and partner notification,” Machaya said.

There is need to raise more awareness on STIs and HIV in the community including the consistent use of condoms and abstinence which seems like a forgotten message especially when addressing the young generation.