STI increase in Zimbabwe 'adding to HIV and AIDS concerns'
15/04/2010
A rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Zimbabwe could be reducing the country's success in battling HIV and AIDS, it has been suggested.
Statistics contained in a report released by the nation's National AIDS Council show an increase in the number of 15 to 24-year-olds in the capital city of Harare who carry such diseases, Plus News reports.
According to the study, more than 24,000 people were treated for STIs in 2009, which is almost three times the amount recorded in 2008, which stood at 8,500.
Over 60 per cent of these cases were women, the investigation found.
Itai Rusike, executive director of the Community Working Group on Health, said: "Right now the bulk of our AIDS levy money is going towards procurement of anti-retrovirals, to the detriment of health education awareness campaigns."
It was recently reported that men in Zimbabwe are taking a hands-on approach to tackling the country's HIV and AIDS epidemic through the UNICEF-sponsored Male Champions scheme.
Written by John Curtis
