Source: Mabvuku clinic treats 20 STI cases daily as infections rise in 18-24 age group ⋆ Pindula News
Scottland Medical Centre in Mabvuku, Harare, is treating between 18 and 20 patients for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Reports suggest that about 20 per cent of young adults aged 18 to 24 have chlamydia, gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis, while one in four women treated for vaginal discharge have gonorrhoea.
Speaking during a recent tour of the facility, Scottland Medical Centre and Maternity general practitioner Albert Mudarikwa said the free clinic is stepping up community outreach programmes to promote prevention, testing and early treatment.
“Here in Mabvuku we are also seeing cases of sexually transmitted infections,” he said.
“At the moment, we are seeing a high number of STI cases on a daily basis, with about 18 to 20 patients presenting with STIs,” he said.
“We usually conduct community outreach programmes to provide information, raise awareness and encourage people to prevent unprotected sex and reduce their risk of infection.
“We need to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections and the importance of prevention, early testing and treatment.”
Mudarikwa added that at least 40 per cent of the STI patients are HIV-positive, while at least half are HIV-negative.
“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.
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