The establishment of 13 tobacco auction floors in the farming town of Mvurwi is fuelling a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
This came to light during a sensitisation meeting held in Mvurwi on Tuesday for provincial heads of departments in Mashonaland Central Province.
Speaking at the event, National AIDS Council Provincial Manager Edgar Muzulu said the opening of the 13 tobacco auction floors in Mvurwi has attracted sex workers. He said:
In this province, commercial sex work is high, especially in Mazowe and primarily in Mvurwi where there are 13 auction floors.
In December 2024, at Suoguru Clinic in Mvurwi, 345 cases of STIs were recorded from 417 tests. Of these, 67 were HIV positive.
In comparison, 424 cases of STIs were recorded at Tsungubvi Clinic. Of these, 37 were HIV positive so commercial sex work continues to be a challenge.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, urged provincial heads to fully understand the scope of HIV and related health issues and to work together.
More: ZBC News
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