The Gauteng Division of Well being (GDoH) has urged the general public to prioritise protected sexual practices, saying this was in response to a surge within the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and an infection of HIV in Gauteng.
The division reported that between April and December 2023, a complete of 167,109 males sought remedy in Gauteng, with 40% being handled for Male Urethritis Syndrome (MUS).
This, the division mentioned, is indicative of newly acquired STIs.
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HIV in Gauteng: What occurred to utilizing condoms?
A excessive variety of MUS-reported instances are attributed to behavioural elements, together with the non-use of condoms, throughout vaginal or anal intercourse, engagement in a number of sexual partnerships, inconsistent condom utilization and substance abuse.
To handle this regarding pattern in Gauteng, the division has carried out varied prevention interventions, akin to condoms, that are free and obtainable in well being amenities.
The division mentioned in 2020, the MUS incidence within the province was recorded at 12% and has elevated over time to fifteen% in 2023, with Alexandra/Sandton, Hillbrow/Braamfontein, among the many extremely affected areas.
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Gauteng urges counselling and testing
Gauteng Well being has additionally inspired the elevated uptake of HIV counselling and testing, and promotion of sexual well-being and a discount within the variety of sexual companions.
In a press release on Sunday, Gauteng Well being MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko indicated that dangerous behaviour was on the rise, with some areas extremely affected by STIs.
“With Valentine’s Day across the nook, the Gauteng Division of Well being needs to warning the general public from participating in dangerous sexual behaviour as this will increase the transmission of sexually transmitted Infections [STIs] and HIV an infection,” she mentioned.
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