The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Monday, August 24, 1992 — Health personnel at rural clinics in Ntabazinduna and Mbembesi, nearly 40km from Bulawayo, have reported that more than 80 percent of cases of adult patients have sexually transmitted diseases.

They said in separate interviews at Ntabazinduna and Fingo clinics that most of the patients were men from Bulawayo who came to cheaper rural clinics, which also provide them privacy.

“We have so many STD-related cases here, especially during public holidays and weekends. Some of the cases appear to be HIV-related but because we do not diagnose we cannot be very sure but we suspect these people run away from hospitals in the city where they are well known”, said Sister Patience Mugweni of Fingo Clinic in Mbembesi.

Sister Mugweni was supported by Sister Adelaide Nyathi of Ntabazinduna Clinic, who said the fees at the clinic were lower than those in town.

She said women in the area were keen on family planning, while most men came to the clinic to collect condoms.

“In most cases they (men) will have suffered from an STD-related disease, and only then will they ask for condoms. They never inquire about other family planning methods”, said Sister Mugweni.

She also said respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis were common in the area and health personnel often refer many patients to large city hospitals “because most appear to be HIV related”.