Harare, June 24, 2025 – Harare is grappling with a significant and troubling rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with newly released data showing over 25,000 new cases reported in 2024. The figures, released by the National Aids Council (NAC), have sparked widespread concern among health officials, who warn that the trend poses a serious threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable communities.
Speaking at a community outreach event held in Hopley last Friday, NAC Harare Provincial Manager Mr. Adonijah Muzondiona described the situation as a public health crisis requiring immediate, targeted responses.
“The increase in STIs highlights a significant public health challenge in Harare, one that requires urgent attention and targeted interventions,” he said.According to the data, Harare recorded 25,457 new STI cases in 2024, with 7,523 repeat infections—a worrying sign of continued transmission, poor follow-up care, and limited access to effective treatment.
The statistics further reveal that the most affected age groups are individuals aged 40–44 years (3,927 cases) and 45–49 years (3,229 cases). Among women aged 45–49 alone, 1,844 cases were documented, suggesting gendered vulnerabilities and healthcare service gaps for older adults.
Public health experts say the surge in cases is being fueled by a combination of low condom usage, inadequate sexual health education, and high population mobility, particularly in informal settlements. Economically disadvantaged communities remain the most at risk, as they often lack access to proper healthcare facilities and information.
Despite the worrying rise in STI cases, Harare has made notable progress in its fight against HIV. The city is reported to have met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, meaning 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
However, Muzondiona cautioned that the growing number of STI cases could undermine this hard-earned progress, especially if STI prevention and treatment efforts are not integrated into the broader HIV response.
“STIs and HIV are closely linked. A surge in STIs often signals behaviors that also increase HIV risk. If we don’t act quickly, we risk reversing the gains we’ve made in HIV epidemic control,” he explained.
Representing Minister of Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa, Permanent Secretary Mr. Cosmas Chiringa emphasized the need for greater domestic investment in the health sector.
“While we have the National AIDS Trust Fund, it is evident that we must continue being innovative and increase domestic resources to support the response,” Chiringa said.He also highlighted a critical need to identify and support children born with HIV, pointing to an overlooked but essential area of intervention.
Harare Confronts Alarming Surge in STIs as Health Officials Urge Urgent Action
To tackle the crisis, the NAC is implementing a data-driven, community-focused approach, zeroing in on the groups most at risk. These include adolescents, young women, sex workers, and informal traders, who often face both economic and social barriers to accessing healthcare.
Initiatives such as Sista2Sista, Brotha2Brotha, and DREAMS are central to the NAC’s prevention strategy. These programmes provide not only education and awareness but also services aimed at empowering individuals to make informed choices about their sexual health.
“These programmes not only create demand for STI and HIV services but also address deep-rooted social and cultural barriers that hinder access to care,” Muzondiona noted.
While these programmes are making an impact, the recurrence of infections underscores the importance of sustained health education, better follow-up care, and the integration of STI services with existing HIV and chronic disease programmes.
Health officials are urging a multi-stakeholder approach, calling on government agencies, civil society, religious groups, and local leaders to help spread accurate information, fight stigma, and increase healthcare accessibility.
“It is imperative that we sustain the gains we have made in epidemic control and continue scaling up prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations,” said Muzondiona.
The path forward will not be without its challenges. Experts warn that limited resources, if not addressed, could hamper efforts to contain both HIV and STIs. As Harare’s population grows and urban pressures intensify, so too will the demand for comprehensive and accessible sexual health services.
The NAC’s urgent call for support underscores a broader need: to prioritize sexual and reproductive health as a cornerstone of public health policy and ensure that no community is left behind.
In the face of rising infections, the message is clear — decisive, well-funded, and inclusive action is needed now more than ever.
Source- Bulawayo24
