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Wimbainashe Zhakata Mutare Correspondent
CHIPINGE District has recorded over 700 new cases of sexually-transmitted infections, the highest in Manicaland Province, statistics from the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) show. ZNFPC Manicaland provincial manager Mr Dyson Masvingise said STIs in Chipinge District had grown at an alarming rate compared to other districts in the province followed by Mutare and Makoni districts which recorded about 600 cases of infections each.

“STI infection cases in Chipinge are so alarming. Generally there is an increase in the number of women who complained of urethra discharge or vaginal discharge in most districts as well as genital ulcers,” he said.

He also indicated that there were factors which led to the rise of these infection which include inadequate indoor and outdoor recreation as well as edutainment equipment for young people.

He also said that lack of funding for outreach programmes, incomplete renovations and lack of resources to repair furniture and equipment at some of the youth centres were also some of the challenges.

Manicaland has also been recording a high number of teenage pregnancies resulting from a low uptake of short term family planning methods.

The province recorded 0.45 percent increase in teenage pregnancies in young girls aged between 16 and 24 years during the first quarter.

Although there was a slight decline in cases recorded in Mutasa, Nyanga and Mutare Urban, Mr Masvingise said more effort was required to reduce the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Chipinge and Makoni.

He also said efforts continued to be made to empower people with sexual health education to encourage them own their health and hopefully inspire them to make healthy choices.

Mr Masvingise said: “Operating within the provincial budget, the province will continue to facilitate and co-ordinate the provision of quality sexual reproductive health services such that the Manicaland populace enjoys affordable and safe sexual reproductive health.”