Gweru STI Surge Raises Alarm as 159 Cases Recorded in One Month

GWERU – A sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has alarmed health officials in Gweru after 159 cases were recorded in March 2026, with authorities warning the true scale could be significantly higher due to underreporting.

The figures were presented during a recent full council meeting, where Ward 12 Councillor Tedious Chimombe raised concern over the growing public health threat.

“The surge is worrisome. We have recorded 159 cases, with 83 females and 76 males affected,” Chimombe said.

He cautioned that the numbers likely do not reflect the full picture, noting that many infections go unreported due to stigma, limited access to testing, and lack of awareness.

“The actual numbers could be higher because some cases go unreported,” he added.

The data has triggered concern among councillors and health officials, who fear the trend could escalate if urgent interventions are not implemented.

In response, the Gweru City Council says it is intensifying efforts to contain the spread of infections through awareness and prevention campaigns. Health and Housing Committee chairperson William Mazango confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring the situation while rolling out community-based education programmes.

“We are following up on the recently recorded STI cases and moving to sensitise residents on the risks of unprotected sex,” Mazango said.

The response strategy will focus on increasing access to testing, promoting consistent condom use, and targeting high-risk groups with tailored health messaging.

Public health experts say the surge reflects broader behavioural and social challenges, including risky sexual practices, substance abuse, and misinformation about protection.

“There is often a misconception that preventing pregnancy is enough, when in fact protection against infections requires consistent and correct condom use,” said a Midlands-based health practitioner.

Drug and substance abuse has also been identified as a key contributing factor, with experts linking it to impaired judgment and increased likelihood of unsafe sexual behaviour.

The latest spike is not an isolated incident. Previous data shows recurring increases in STI cases in the city. In November 2023, 214 cases were recorded, up from 138 in October, highlighting a pattern of periodic surges. Health officials warn that without sustained behavioural change, Gweru could face a prolonged public health challenge.

“This is not just a one-off spike. It reflects underlying issues that need continuous intervention,” said a council health official.

Authorities are now urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and others. These include:

• Regular STI testing

• Consistent and correct condom use

• Reducing multiple sexual partnerships

• Seeking early treatment when symptoms appear

Community engagement is expected to play a critical role in slowing transmission, particularly among young people who are often disproportionately affected.

The surge in infections underscores the need for sustained investment in sexual health education and services. Officials warn that failure to act decisively could lead to further increases, placing additional strain on healthcare services and impacting community wellbeing. For now, the focus remains on prevention, awareness and early intervention as authorities work to contain the spread of STIs in Gweru.

Gweru STI cases