A clinic in Mabvuku, Harare,  Zimbabwean, is treating between 18 and 20 patients for s3xually transmitted infections (STIs) every day, with health workers reporting that about 40 percent of those patients are HIV-positive.

The figures were disclosed by Scottland Medical Centre and Maternity general practitioner Albert Mudarikwa during a recent tour of the facility, highlighting concerns over STI infections in Harare, particularly among young adults. “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,” Mudarikwa said.

The clinic provides free services and conducts community outreach programmes focused on STI prevention, testing and early treatment. Mudarikwa said patients presenting with STIs are also routinely offered HIV screening. “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 explained.

According to Mudarikwa, at least 40 percent of STI patients seen at the facility are HIV-positive, while at least half are HIV-negative. He also reported that about 20 percent of young adults aged 18 to 24 have chlamydia, gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis.

The clinic has been using community outreach programmes to encourage prevention, testing and prompt treatment, with health workers seeking to increase awareness about s3xually transmitted infections. “We need to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections and the importance of prevention, early testing and treatment,” Mudarikwa said.