STIs – NEWSSPACE

Need for more STIs point of care tests

**Anna Machiya, National Coordinator for STI Prevention and Condom Distribution in the Ministry of Health and Child Care**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

There is need for more Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs) point of care tests so as to determine the exact burden of the diseases in the country.
And without reliable data, more STIs continue to spread as the majority of them are asymptomatic.
This was revealed by Anna Machiya, the National Coordinator for STI Prevention and Condom Distribution in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, at a recent Media Science Café organised by the Health Communicators Forum.
“We also need to have some surveillance that maybe gives us an indication as to how big the problem of STIs in the country is, and without data on surveillance, on the magnitude of STIs it is very very difficult to really know what is happening.
“What we see now are those that become sick and present themselves at our facilities and these are the STIs that we are able to capture.
“So these ones that are asymptomatic continue to spread, and this is one reason that also fuels the spread of STIs.
“So now there is also talk of considering to move from syndromic approach to etiological approach, where we also use the specific laboratory tests to identify these STIs but the cost of doing such tests is quite high.
“So as more cheaper point of care tests are available on the market, the better it will be for us to also be able to screen,” said Machiya.
She added: “right now we have point of care test for syphilis and we are actually providing that to clients or to people that present with an STI, so we test for HIV and we test for syphilis.”
It is said syndromic approach focuses on the diagnosis and management of a specific set of symptoms or a syndrome, without necessarily identifying the underlying cause.
As for the etiological approach, it seeks to identify the underlying cause or origin of a disease, or symptom. It focuses on understanding the root cause, mechanism or pathophysiology.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1 million curable STIs are acquired every day worldwide in people 15-49 years old, the majority of which are asymptomatic.
WHO further adds that in 2020 there were an estimated 374 million new infections in people 15-49 years with 1-4 curable STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
Machiya added that the main aims of STI control are to prevent the development of diseases, complications and sequelae, to interrupt the transmission of sexually acquired infections and to reduce the risk of HIV infection. She stressed that STIs are avoidable, treatable and curable hence early treatment is essential.
“For prevention, we should take note of social and cultural determinants, promote safer sexual behaviour (abstinence, delayed sexual debut and promote use of condoms for penetrative sexual acts,” added Machiya.

Remove import duty and VAT on condoms-PSH

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Population Solutions for Health (PSH) has called on the government to remove import duty and value added tax (VAT) on condoms so as to ensure they are affordable.

The call by PSH which is the distributor of Protector Plus condoms, was made as the organisation joined the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the global community in commemorating International Condom Day which was held on Tuesday, February 13.

In a press release, PSH revealed that the day serves as a reminder of the critical role condoms play in preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.

“As we observe this day, we want to emphasize the shortage of domestic funding for condom procurement and call for the removal of import duty and VAT for condoms.

“This will make condoms more affordable in the market and secure the future availability of condoms without donor funding,” read the press release.

It was further revealed that “while Zimbabwe has achieved considerable success in condom programming, more work needs to be done to address the challenges that threaten to reverse the gains.

“The condom program heavily relies on donor support which has reduced over the years, negatively impacting funding for public and social marketing sector condoms, which serve the marginalised communities and low-income earners.

“The shortage of domestic funding for condom procurement and related programming further worsens the situation.

“The commercial sector’s condom supply has been decreasing over the past two decades, partly due to higher taxes (VAT and Import Duty) on condoms, which make commercial condoms expensive and unviable.”

It was also reported that PSH is actively supporting Ministry of Health in developing a sustainable condom market that promotes long-term condom use with reduced reliance on donor funding.

The press release further read that as the International Condom Day is commemorated, PSH remains committed to advancing condom programming and expanding access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and products.

“By addressing challenges in the market, significant progress can be made in preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies,” added the press release.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says “external condoms are the most common and sheaths or coverings that fit over a man’s erect penis before penetration. Internal condoms are also available and sheaths or linings that fit loosely inside the vagina before penetration.”

And WHO further states that “condoms continue to be an essential and effective tool in the prevention packages for HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancy.

“Condom use has been a significant tool to decrease transmission of HIV globally.”

Work towards ending AIDS goes beyond ICASA

**Disability Youth Advocate**
**Takavinya Yolanda Munyengwa**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The work to end AIDS by 2030 goes beyond international conferences as there is more work to be done which needs total dedication of everyone concerned, Disability Youth Advocate, Takavinya Yolanda Munyengwa has revealed.

Munyengwa was speaking at the recent International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) which was held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

The theme for ICASA 2023 was “AIDS IS NOT OVER: Address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation.”

“Let us be reminded that our work extends beyond these conference walls.

“It extends to clinics, health facilities, community spaces and countries across the globe.

“We must engage policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and civil society organizations in our pursuit to end AIDS by 2030.

“By uniting our voices and resources, we can drive meaningful change and create an inclusive environment that supports, diversity of young women and girls, people with disabilities, women, key populations and all those affected by this devastating disease.

“As we gather here today, let us renew our commitment to the cause. Let us revolutionize prevention strategies, enhance access to treatment, and eliminate the stigma and discrimination and criminalization associated with HIV/AIDS,” she said.

Munyengwa further revealed that all inequalities had to be addressed because time is running out as she also reiterated that the journey towards ending AIDS by 2030 required working together being resilient.

“Let us address inequalities, knowing that time is of the essence and let us accelerate inclusion and innovation recognizing that our ability to adapt and overcome will redefine our success in the face of future challenges.

“Together, we have the power to transform lives, communities, and nations.

“Let us leave this conference not only inspired but equipped with the tools, knowledge, and renewed determination to create a world free from stigma, discrimination, criminalization because this is how we will END AIDS by 2023.”

She added, “by accelerating progress, we can ensure that the goals we have set are achieved swiftly and effectively.

“We must move forward with a sense of urgency, leaving no one behind, and providing access to life-saving treatments and prevention methods to all those in need.

“Building resilience is equally important as we face a rapidly changing landscape in the field of HIV/AIDS. We must anticipate and adapt to the evolving challenges that arise. Our resilience lies in our ability to learn from past experiences, embrace new technologies, and empower communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

“By building resilience, we can withstand any obstacles that come our way and guarantee the sustainability of our efforts for generations to come.”

Munyengwa further revealed that ICASA 2023 serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and introspection, hence delegates had to seize the opportunity to share insights, foster partnerships, and strengthen our resolve to fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Together, we can amplify our impact and ensure that progress is not hindered by any barriers, whether they are social, economic, or cultural.

“The theme for this conference resonates deeply with the current situation for PLHIV.

“It highlights the urgent need to not only make progress in combating HIV/AIDS but also emphasizes the importance of addressing inequalities and accelerate the inclusion of people left behind such as key populations, young people and children to close the gap and end AIDS by 2023.

“We find ourselves at a crucial juncture where our collective efforts are the key to shaping a brighter future,” she added.

Zim ready to host ICASA

**Health and Child Care Minister**
**Dr Douglas Mombeshora**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

All systems are in place for the country to host the 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa at the Harare International Conference Centre, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora has said.

Minister Mombeshora revealed that all was being arranged to make sure that the conference which will be held from the 4th to the 9th of December, lives up to its billing.

“All our systems from security, banking, accommodation, transportation, health and others have been checked and tested and I want to assure our visitors that Zimbabwe is ready.

“The security of delegates is guaranteed both in Harare and elsewhere as they go out about attending the conference and enjoy our rich heritage across the world acclaimed tourist destinations.

“We have also strengthened the health delivery and surveillance systems to ensure that our visitors and locals have access to needed health services,” said Dr Mombeshora.

He also allayed cholera fears, saying the isolated cases were being dealt with adequately, as he further praised the country’s surveillance system saying it is exceptionally effective and has picked all cases which have all since been treated.

Dr Mombeshora also revealed that it was an honour that the country will be hosting two high level meetings as a precursor to ICASA.

“We are very excited as government about the two high level meetings which we are going to host on the 2nd of December in Victoria Falls as part of the build up towards ICASA.

“We will have a meeting of African First Ladies to be hosted by our First Lady Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.

“This meeting will focus on addressing prevention of mother to child transmission and elimination of newborn infections in Africa.

“On the same day, we will also host the African Ministers of Finance who will attend a meeting focusing on addressing domestic financing of the HIV response to reach the UN 2025 Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

“As you are aware, Zimbabwe has already been praised globally for the home grown domestic funding initiative in the form of the National AIDS Trust Fund popularly known AIDS Levy.

“We are therefore very proud to be hosting this meeting to share our best practice while learning from the rest of the continent on other initiatives that all together can increase Africa’s domestic financing of HIV and other epidemics without totally relying on external funds.

“These two meetings will come just a day after Zimbabwe will have commemorated the World AIDS Day which we will have in Victoria Falls at Chinotimba Stadium.

“ICASA delegates who will already be in the country and are able to finance their trips to Victoria Falls are invited to attend the World AIDS Day commemorations which are going to be held under the theme, “Let Communities Lead,” he added.

He further reiterated all transport logistics and accommodation had been arranged to ensure that the conference goes on without any challenges.

The conference will be running under the theme “AIDS is not over: address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation.”

Let’s not be complacent in HIV and AIDS fight-Dr Pari

**Dr Parirenyatwa (left) and Dr Madzima during Monday’s curtain raiser press conference on ICASA**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The fight against HIV and AIDS is not yet over as there are still new infections emerging, while Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a major health issue, a health official has said.

Doctor David Parirenyatwa, president of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) official organisers of International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) revealed this on Monday during the curtain-raiser press conference of the 22nd ICASA.

The 22nd ICASA will be held in Harare from 4-9 December.

Dr Parirenyatwa also revealed that ICASA will be preceded by two highly level meetings on the 2nd of December, one will be looking at the elimination of mother to child transmission and will be spearheaded by the First Ladies within the Africa Region.

And also on the same day, there will be another meeting of Ministers of Finance to discuss issues of how finances can be raised to enable the fight against HIV, TB, Malaria and other infectious diseases.

“Just to say Zimbabwe is fully ready to receive the possible 8 000 participants who would be coming to attend this meeting here in Harare.

“And we are very clear in our minds that the fight against HIV and AIDS must continue because as our theme says, “AIDS is not yet over” , so we need to continue to fight HIV and AIDS.

“There has been apparent complacency in the fight against HIV, people are now saying well I think we have done enough for HIV but I want to remind ourselves that there are still infections that are happening especially among the youths on HIV and AIDS.

“Therefore we must continue to look at the key areas where we must fight HIV and AIDS,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

He also revealed that the invite (to attend ICASA) is for many other participants especially those that are contributing towards the fight against HIV and AIDS in their institutions.

Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora who is also the ICASA 2023 vice president, in a presentation made on his behalf by his Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze, said all was in place for the country to host the conference.

He further revealed that the programme is ready and all government systems and structures from security, banking, accommodation, transportation, health and others have been mobilised to provide the necessary support and services, before and during the conference.

“All delegates are assured that Zimbabwe remains a peaceful destination and their security will be assured.

“Our providers of accommodation services are all ready and capable to meet the various requirements of the visitors.

“Our health systems and services have also been mobilised to ensure that both visitors and locals have access to the needed services during the conference,” said Dr Mombeshora.

Turning onto the issue of Cholera which is a current issue in some parts of the country, Dr Mombeshora said, “I wish to assure you all and our visitors that the isolated outbreak is being contained and our surveillance system is exceptionally effective and has picked all cases and have been treated.”

National AIDS Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Bernard Madzima, who is also the head of the 22nd ICASA local secretariat, also reiterated that the country was prepared in terms of transportation, both ground and air and accommodation to receive the visitors.

“We have made sure that we have an efficient transport system both on the ground and in air; we have a steady inflow of airlines which are adequate to cover for our visitors and we have also mobilised ground transport services at an agreed standard fare.

“As such all designated vehicles for pick ups and drop off points will be marked.

“We have put solid packages (accommodation) for all delegates; they are advised to log onto the ICASA website,” he said.

Dr Madzima further said visitors were also encouraged to experience the prowess of Africa and its unending cultural and entertainment appeal.

He said Zimbabwe had profound and magnificent tourist destinations which include the Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe itself, the Manna Pools and various parks, some which are close to Harare, which they could also visit.

“We want to encourage our delegates to take time before and after the conference to visit these places and experience Zimbabwe’s real cultural and natural wonders,” he said.

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