STI Cases Surge in Bulawayo, Women Hit Hardest

20 December 2025

By Andile Vundla

Bulawayo is witnessing a worrying rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with women continuing to bear the brunt of the epidemic, the National AIDS Council (NAC) has warned.

Presenting the latest data during a media tour, NAC Bulawayo Programmes Officer, Mr Douglas Moyo, said reported STI cases climbed steadily from the first to the third quarter of 2025, highlighting ongoing transmission within communities.

According to NAC figures, new STI cases increased from just over 2 100 in the first quarter to more than 2 500 by the third quarter. Women consistently accounted for a larger share of new infections than men, reflecting social, economic, and behavioural vulnerabilities.

Mr Moyo expressed concern over the rise in repeat STI cases, with more than 600 clients returning for treatment in the third quarter alone.

“The figures you are seeing here, underscores the need for rigorous follow-up care, partner notification, and effective management. Without treating sexual partners and reinforcing behaviour change, we risk perpetuating infections within the same communities,” Moyo said.

The report also highlighted the strong integration of HIV services within STI care. HIV testing among STI clients remained above 100 percent in most quarters, showing intensified provider-initiated testing and counselling at health facilities.

However, positivity rates remained a concern, particularly among women. HIV prevalence peaked at six percent among female STI clients in the third quarter, compared to five percent among males.

Encouragingly, the number of STI contacts treated rose from about 340 in the first quarter to nearly 400 in the third quarter, indicating improved follow-through and service uptake.

Despite these gains, Mr Moyo warned that the upward trend in infections demands urgent action.

“Testing and treatment have improved, but prevention efforts must be intensified. Programmes targeting women, young people, and other high-risk groups are critical if we are to reverse this trend,” he said.

He urged communities to adopt early health-seeking behaviour, practise consistent condom use, enhance partner management, and support broader awareness campaigns to reduce both STI and HIV transmission.

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