HARARE – Zimbabwe’s capital is battling a worrying surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with over 25,457 new cases reported in 2024 alone, according to the National AIDS Council (NAC).
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana revealed the figures on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that 7,523 of the cases were repeat infections, a sign of both reinfection and possible treatment failure or non-compliance.
The rise in cases has triggered concerns among health officials, who point to risky sexual behaviour, limited access to sexual health education, and the erosion of public health infrastructure as contributing factors.
Experts warn that unless urgent interventions are made including widespread awareness campaigns, increased access to protection, and community testing drives Harare could face a deeper public health crisis.
