02 Aug 2018

The intensified distribution of condoms in the South East South sub-district has shown positive results in the reduction of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) from April to June this year. A total of 613 STIs were recorded during the period as opposed to 802 cases reported from January to April and the reduction was attributed to improved availability of condoms, states the District Health Management Team report for April – June. 

Despite the reduced numbers, the report highlighted that there were still risks of HIV infections and other STI complications, hence the need for intensified health education, provision of effective STI treatment and contact tracing, capacitating health workers in STI management and continuing with distributing condoms. The report noted that from April to June, 82 099 male condoms were distributed against 44 624 condoms distributed from January to March. 

The January to March distribution was low due to shortage of condoms which was experienced by the district. The report also highlighted the low uptake of female condoms as only 175 were collected between April and June, while 138 were collected between January to March. Apart from reducing HIV and other STIs the improved condom distribution also reduced morbidity due to STIs and also reduced unwanted pregnancies. 

Furthermore, DHMT stated that it would continue ensuring that condoms were always available, educate the public on the importance of condom use as well as continuing monitoring and distribution. With regard to HIV testing, the number of people who tested during the April - June quarter decreased although many offered to test but later declined. Among those tested, the results showed that 5.2 per cent were infected and that more women were affected as compared to men. The DHMT report noted that people continually indulge in risky behaviour that lead to the spread of the virus. 

As for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, all women who delivered during the period were tested. However, there was an increase on the number of women registering with known HIV positive status, which raised the possibility of transmission to partners and also the possibility of morbidity and mortality. The district however managed to maintain the national target of zero per cent transmission of the virus to the child. ENDS