Health authorities have raised concern over a steep rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Harare, with recent figures showing a disproportionate increase among adults aged 40 to 49.
Speaking during a community health outreach in Hopley on Friday, June 21, National AIDS Council (NAC) Harare provincial manager Mr. Adonijah Muzondiona disclosed that in 2024 alone, 25,457 new STI cases were recorded in the capital, 7,523 of which were repeat infections.
The most affected age brackets were 40–44 and 45–49, with 3,927 and 3,229 new cases respectively. Women in the 45–49 group were particularly impacted, accounting for 1,844 cases, according to statistics shared by the NAC.
Spike in STIs Alarms Health Officials in Harare as Cases Surge Among Adults in Their 40s
“This surge in STI cases presents a serious public health issue that requires immediate and targeted interventions,” said Mr. Muzondiona.
He attributed the rise to low condom use, risky sexual behaviours, and insufficient awareness, especially among older populations and those living in high-mobility or underserved communities.
The worrying STI trend comes even as Harare reportedly meets the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in the national HIV response. However, the rise in non-HIV STIs points to gaps in sexual health education and prevention efforts.
“We’re seeing this spike most visibly in informal settlements where outreach is limited,” Mr. Muzondiona said.
In response, the NAC is employing data-driven strategies to map high-risk populations and redirect resources. Groups such as adolescent girls, sex workers, and informal traders are among the identified vulnerable communities.
Several community-based programmes—Sista2Sista, Brotha2Brotha, and DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe)—have been launched to address the crisis through education and behavioural change campaigns.
“These initiatives are essential for raising awareness and reducing stigma, but more support is still urgently required,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Permanent Secretary Mr. Cosmas Chiringa acknowledged the financial challenges hindering a broader response to the STI crisis.
“Although we benefit from the National AIDS Trust Fund, there is a clear need to increase domestic financing and adopt innovative funding models,” said Mr. Chiringa.
He also stressed the need to intensify efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, part of a wider integrated health approach that includes HIV, STI, and non-communicable disease services.
Despite the rollout of multiple awareness campaigns and treatment services, the high number of repeat STI cases suggests that behavioural change has not taken firm root across all demographics.
Mr. Muzondiona emphasized the urgency of reinforcing prevention and treatment efforts, particularly for those most at risk.
“If we are to reverse this trend, we must scale up services, strengthen public health education, and invest in long-term behaviour change strategies. We cannot afford to lose momentum,” he concluded.
The latest data highlights a pressing need for a sustained, multi-sectoral response as Harare grapples with the resurgence of STIs.
ALSO READ : Themba Gorimbo Praises Winky D in Public Turnaround, Calls Him a Voice for the Youth
