Rise of STIs in Harare
What You Need to Know Now?
Reference to the highlighted post on the surge in STI prevalence in Harare (Lovemore, 2025)
Who is Most Affected & Why?
Mainly due to:
Risky sexual behaviours
Multiple sexual partners, casual sex, transactional sex
Intersectionality between substance use and risk of contracting STIs
Low condom use
Especially in sex workers due to factors like economic vulnerability
Longterm relationships
Limited awareness of STIs in older adults
Including the complications associated with delayed care
Delay in seeking care
lack of knowledge on the signs and symptoms associated with STIs.
Stigma and judgement associated with seeking care
Use of complementary medicines e.g. traditional medicine
High cost of STI diagnostic, treatment and management services
Self-medication without diagnosis
Repeat infections
- failure to treat sexual partners
- failure to complete treatment course leading to AMR and reinfection
Poor sex health education
- especially among undeserved communities and informal sectors
Common STIs in Zimbabwe & How They Spread
STI
Mode of Transmission
Incubation Period
Common Signs & Symptoms
Chlamydia
Vaginal, anal, oral sex
1–3 weeks
Often asymptomatic; may cause discharge, pain during urination
Gonorrhoea
Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
2–7 days
Discharge (penile/vaginal), painful urination
Syphilis
Direct contact with syphilitic sores
10–90 days
Painless sore (chancre), rash on palms/soles
Trichomoniasis
Vaginal sex
5–28 days
Genital itching, frothy yellow-green discharge
Genital Herpes
Skin-to-skin contact (genital/oral)
2–12 days
Painful blisters or ulcers, flu-like symptoms
HPV
Skin/mucosal contact
2 Weeks - 3 months
Often asymptomatic; some strains cause warts or cervical changes
HIV
Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk
2 Weeks – 3 months
Fever, sore throat, fatigue; may remain silent for years
Why Screening and Early Treatment Matter
STIs can be spread even if you have no symptoms. That’s why routine screening is key.
Free or low-cost screening is available at local clinics and hospitals in Harare, including:
Wilkins Hospital
Beatrice Road Infectious Disease Hospital
City Health clinics around Zimbabwe
5. The Hidden Dangers: What Happens If You Delay?
If untreated, STIs can cause:
Infertility
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Ectopic pregnancy
Increased risk of contracting HIV
Chronic pain and complications in babies (e.g., congenital syphilis)
Increase risk of developing cancers (e.g. cervical cancer)
What Can You Do Today?
Use condoms correctly every time
Get tested regularly—even if you have no symptoms
Avoid sharing medication or self-medicating
Get your partner treated too
Ask your pharmacist or doctor if unsure
Use counseling services if available
References:
Lovemore (2025) ‘STI Infections Spike Among Middle-Aged Adults In Harare ⋆ Pindula News’, Pindula News, 23 June. Available at: https://news.pindula.co.zw/2025/06/23/sti-infections-spike-among-middle-aged-adults-in-harare/ (Accessed: 24 June 2025).