Zuko Komisa
Gauteng Health warns of a concerning rise in STIs.
New data has revealed concerning figures in the Gauteng Province of an increased rise in sexually transmitted diseases. The public has been advised by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) to abstain from risky sexual behavior as this can lead to the spread of HIV infection and other STIs.
Male urethritis syndrome (MUS) was treated in 67 400 (40%) of the 167 109 males who visited public health facilities in the province between April and December 2023.
The GDoH has informed the public that they have noticed a peak of STI incidence in sub-districts E (Alexandra and Sandton) and F (Inner City, Braamfontein and Hillbrow) in Johannesburg.
According to the department, several regions encompass the West Rand’s Merafong sub-district, Katlehong, Ekurhuleni South, Germiston, Katlehong, and Vooslorus, Sedibeng’s Lesedi, and Tshwane’s Bronkhorstspruit.
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The latest data also reveals that between April and December 2023, she said 1 255 out of 66 377 pregnant women who presented at our facilities for antenatal care for the first time tested positive for syphilis.
Johannesburg’s Sub-Districts E and F are home to tertiary institutions as well as high-risk populations like drug injectors and sex workers.
Always use a condom even if you are using other contraceptive methods. This is called Dual Protection. Using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used consistently and correctly. pic.twitter.com/7bqFmunAlz
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) February 6, 2024
Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the MEC for Health and Wellness has advised that male and female condoms are available for free at their local healthcare centers, and people who are sexually active are encouraged to use them to protect themselves against HIV and STIs.
“Our clinics provide free condoms and STI and HIV prevention, testing and treatment services. We should not let STIs go untreated, as they increase the risk of HIV infection and transmission, which will hamper the province’s goal to reduce new HIV infections by 2030,”
“If left untreated in pregnant women, syphilis can have adverse outcomes for the growing baby as well as increased morbidity in the mother. It can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis), leading to stillbirths, health complications, congenital deformities and even infant death,”
MEC for Health and Wellness – Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko,
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