Kwekwe STI Cases Surge Nearly 40% as Council Intensifies Condom Distribution and Awareness Campaigns

KWEKWE — Kwekwe is facing growing public health concerns after sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases surged by 39.6% within a month, prompting city authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, condom distribution programmes and community health outreach initiatives. Figures presented during a recent full council meeting at the Civic Centre revealed that reported STI cases increased sharply from 328 cases in March to 458 in April, raising alarm among councillors and public health officials.

The rise in infections has triggered debate within the council over how best to contain the spread of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, amid concerns over declining condom usage, stigma and limited sexual health awareness. Some councillors reportedly suggested identifying STI “hotspots”, arguing that beer outlets and certain households were contributing to risky sexual behaviour. However, city health officials rejected the proposal, warning that targeting specific communities could worsen stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment.

Director of Health Services Munyaradzi Murwira said surveillance data showed the infections were widespread across the city rather than concentrated in isolated locations.

“We've no proof that this is coming from certain spots or a group of people, but it's the whole community. We can't have solutions based on misconceptions which will stigmatise people,” Murwira told councillors.

“As a department we are carrying out outreach awareness programmes on STIs, HIV/AIDS, and drug and substance abuse in the community while targeting students at colleges as well.”

Public health experts say sexually transmitted infections remain a major indicator of unprotected sexual activity and can significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission if left untreated.

According to the World Health Organization, stigma and poor access to prevention services remain among the biggest barriers to STI control across many developing countries. Kwekwe Mayor Albert Zinhanga described the increase in STI infections as deeply worrying and called for urgent intervention through education and prevention programmes.

“I'm worried about the surge of STIs in Kwekwe. That figure of 458 presented today has risen from last month's figure of 328 plus. It shows that it's shooting upwards,” Zinhanga said.

“As city fathers, we are worried and concerned about the surging numbers. Like what the Director of Health said, there are going to be increased awareness campaigns in the communities, such that citizens will understand the dangers of STIs. It might be an issue of ignorance or lack of awareness.”

The council says it will increase free condom distribution at clinics, bars, colleges and entertainment venues in an effort to improve access to preventive healthcare tools.

“When we were growing up, we could see free condoms inside beer hall ablution facilities. Nowadays, condoms are not easily available in those spaces, and people end up indulging in unprotected sex, maybe out of ignorance or because they cannot afford to buy condoms,” Zinhanga added. “It's our duty as council to provide condoms.”

Health experts say sustained public awareness campaigns, youth-focused sexual health education, and reliable condom supplies will be critical in reversing the upward trend in STI infections across the city.

Kwekwe STI cases

Kwekwe, Zimbabwe Health, STI, HIV/AIDS, Public Health, Condoms, Midlands Province, Sexual Health, Awareness Campaigns, Healthcare