Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Prominance Sinomusa Khumalo
Zim GBC News | Health Bulletin
BULAWAYO – New data from the third quarter of 2025 reveals a concerning rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and persistent gender disparities in HIV outcomes within Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, this was revealed by Douglas Moyo, Bulawayo National Aids Council Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.
While prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) remains a cornerstone of success, health officials are sounding the alarm on other fronts.
Moyo’s report shows a significant upward trend in new STI cases, jumping from 1,400 in Quarter 2 to 2,539 in Quarter 3. A critical finding is the consistently higher HIV positivity rate among females (6% in Q3) compared to males (5% in Q3) attending STI clinics.
“A worrisome trend is that some men refuse to be on PrEP after having tested positive,” said a health official identified as Moyo.
“We have to find the reasons why these people are refusing to be on PrEP, which is life saving.”
Moyo also pointed to recurring STI cases as a major challenge.
“The worrisome repeat cases are caused by factors such as a partner getting treated clandestinely without discussing with the other partner and will sleep with the same partner and get reinfected,” he stated.
Other reasons include partners who are shy to disclose an STI due to stigma, particularly among gay men.
PMTCT Success, But Gaps Remain
The PMTCT programme shows impactful coverage, with national estimates approaching 92.55%, driving a general downward trend in infant transmission. In Bulawayo, of an expected 7,436 pregnancies, 3,756 were booked for antenatal care. Among those tested, 3.5% (136) were newly identified as HIV positive, while an additional 344 pregnant women already knew their positive status before antenatal booking.
“Achieving optimal PMTCT coverage is essential to maximize the reduction of HIV infections in infants and eliminate pediatric HIV transmission,” the report emphasized.
Testing and Treatment Landscape
HIV Testing Services (HTS) in Q3 saw 22,141 people tested, with a 4% overall positivity rate. The data shows a higher positivity rate among males, underscoring a need for gender-tailored interventions. Notably, 91% of high-risk individuals testing negative were linked to prevention services like PrEP.
On treatment, the Province has 79,315 people on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), with 97.8% being adults. A significant 94% are on a first-line regimen, but officials noted that first-line drug-resistant HIV is being transmitted, indicating ongoing challenges.
Key Populations and The Path Forward
Services for key populations reached 2,510 individuals with a high HIV negativity rate. However, engagement remains an issue. The report calls for sustained, integrated services and community engagement to achieve the global 95-95-95 targets.
“Achieving the 95-95-95 targets requires sustained commitment, integrated services, and community engagement across all populations,” the report concluded, outlining a continued focus on prevention, treatment, and support programmes.
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