14 Aug 2013

Trends of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) cases in Chobe district indicate a sharp increase in the past two years. 

Speaking at the Chobe District STIs campaign, District Commissioner, Dr Temba Mmusi said 2600 cases were registered in 2011 which rose to 4348 in the next year. 

Dr Mmusi added that 860 cases have been registered in the first half of 2013.

“This must be a wake-up call for all of us to combat these infections from all angles,” he said.  

Dr Mmusi regretted that the number of cases continued to escalate despite STI fairs in the district for the past two years. 

“As a district, we would like to see the number of STI cases dropping from 19.7 per cent to 15 per cent in persons aged 15-49 years by the end of 2014,” he said.

However, he acknowledged some of the challenges he said hindered efforts to achieve the target. The DC said multiple concurrent sexual partners, which increased the risk of being infected with STIs or infecting the other partner, continued to be among the challenges. 

“Excessive alcohol consumption is one factor as one cannot judge or decide sensibly and as such liable to contacting STIs,” he added.

Further, Dr Mmusi said notwithstanding the challenges, the nation must persevere and continue to use condoms, adding consumption of alcohol must be stopped altogether arguing that there was no such thing as ‘responsible drinking.’ 

Chobe District Health Management Team (DHMT) coordinator, Dr John Makuka said one of the campaign goals was to scale down prevalence of HIV and AIDS, which is also an STI. 

The overall objective was to mobilise a large number of community members as a strategy to promote behaviour change towards sexual activity. ENDS