Scottland Medical Centre in Mabvuku, Harare, is recording between 18 and 20 patients seeking treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every day, amid concerns over the spread of infections among young people.
The rise in STI cases has prompted the facility to intensify community awareness programmes aimed at encouraging safer sexual practices, regular testing and early treatment.
Recent reports indicate that about 20 percent of young adults aged between 18 and 24 are affected by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis. Among women seeking treatment for vaginal discharge, approximately one in four are reported to have gonorrhoea.
Speaking during a recent tour of the medical facility, Scottland Medical Centre and Maternity general practitioner Albert Mudarikwa said STI cases were becoming a regular occurrence at the Mabvuku clinic.
“We are also recording a significant number of sexually transmitted infections in Mabvuku,” Mudarikwa said.
He said the facility was currently attending to between 18 and 20 STI patients daily.
Mudarikwa said the clinic was using community outreach programmes to educate residents about STI prevention and the importance of seeking medical attention early.
“We conduct outreach programmes within the community to educate people, increase awareness and encourage them to avoid risky sexual behaviour,” he said.
He stressed the need for people to get tested promptly whenever they suspected they had contracted an STI to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
Mudarikwa also revealed that a significant proportion of patients presenting with STIs were living with HIV.
“Usually, when patients present with STIs, we first screen them for HIV because people living with HIV may be more vulnerable to certain infections, including STIs,” he said.
According to Mudarikwa, about 40 percent of the STI patients treated at the facility are HIV-positive, while around half test negative for HIV.
The clinic is continuing to expand its outreach activities as part of efforts to improve public knowledge of STIs and encourage residents to take preventive measures.
