By Moses Thole- MALAWI .
Ngabu Rural Hospital in Chikwawa district has recorded the highest number of cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the quarter of year 2024, surpassing all other 25 health facilities in the region.The hospital registered a total of 1,249 cases, followed closely by Chikwawa District Hospital with 1,186 cases. On the other hand, Alumenda Health Center reported a significantly lower number of cases, totaling just 23.Overall, quarter of the year 2024 the whole district has registered 5,609 STIs cases which is highest number comparing to last quarter of 2023 which was 4,803 cases Dalitso Banda, the sexually transmitted disease coordinator for the district, attributes the increase in cases to poverty, with many women and girls engaging in risky behavior for financial gain. Additionally, the construction of canals as part of the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP) is believed to have contributed to the rise in STI cases.To address this concerning trend, the Chikwawa district health office plans to intensify awareness campaigns to educate the community on making informed choices regarding their sexual health. They also aim to collaborate with the condom coordinator to promote the distribution of condoms through the Last Mile Project under Banja La Mtsogolo (BLM).Concerned citizens, such as Joseph Luben, stress the importance of using condoms to prevent the spread of STIs and protect public health in the district.
