By Memory Chatonda

Blantyre, April 14, Mana: Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) has embarked on a series of campaigns dubbed, 'Konda Moyo, Konda Blantyre' to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the district.

The campaign, organized by the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) in collaboration with Blantyre City Council, took the two entities to the Chilomoni Health Centre grounds on Saturday. Spokesperson for the DHO, Chrissy Banda, said the activity was conducted in response to the increased cases of STIs reported in 2024.

Statistics, according to Banda, indicate that Chilomoni Health Centre registered at least 127 STIs cases from October to December 2024, contributing to at least 8000 cases registered from all health facilities in Blantyre during the same period.

“While we are celebrating that new HIV infections are decreasing, the rise in cases of STIs indicates that people are not adhering to other preventive measures for STIs,” she added.

She therefore said the DHO is implementing Blantyre Prevention Strategy campaign, which aims at sensitizing communities on STIs preventive measures, including HIV prevention.

“Through our awareness, we are now promoting dual protection, that is to say, if you are using other preventive measures, make sure that you are also protecting yourself by using condoms,” Banda added.

Group village head Chilomoni acknowledged increased cases of STIs among people under his jurisdiction, attributing the increase to “reckless behaviour”.

Together with her team, Group village head said she will ensure that messages on STIs and HIV prevention are disseminated at every public gathering in Chilomoni.

During the event, which was funded by the National AIDS Commission, various services such as HIV testing, condom provision, and information on PrEP and others were also provided to people.

Another open day talk is also expected to be held at Kachere and Soche in the same district soon to increase awareness.