AHF urges young people to priorities STI prevention and testing

By Evans Jona

More than one million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), underlining the growing importance of prevention, testing and treatment, particularly among young people.

The warning comes as health experts raise concern over misconceptions about sexual health, with some young people relying on unproven remedies or assuming they are free of infection simply because they do not have visible symptoms.

Speaking during an interview with ZOU FM Campus Radio at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2026, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Linkage Coordinator Frank Nyamundero said sexually transmitted infections remain a significant health concern and urged young people to take screening seriously.

Nyamundero said STIs are not transmitted exclusively through penetrative sexual intercourse, warning that some infections can also be transmitted through oral sex and skin-to-skin contact.

“Most people now think that physical penetration is the only thing that transmits STIs, but some can also be transmitted through oral sex and even skin-to-skin interaction,” he said.

He said the wide range of sexually transmitted infections makes it important for people to avoid diagnosing themselves based on a single symptom.

According to Nyamundero, symptoms that should prompt a person to seek medical attention include unusual or foul-smelling discharge, itching, pain during or after sexual intercourse, genital sores or rashes, and pain affecting the urethra or testicles.

However, he warned that the absence of symptoms should not be interpreted as evidence that a person is free of infection.

“Don’t test with your eyes; go and get screened,” Nyamundero said, emphasising that some STIs are asymptomatic and can remain undetected for long periods.

AHF National Youth Coordinator Knowledge Nyanhungo said young people were particularly vulnerable to misinformation because of experimentation and peer influence.

He said although many young people are increasingly aware of HIV prevention methods, including pre-exposure prophylaxis, they should understand that protection against HIV does not necessarily protect them against other sexually transmitted infections.

“Young people are experimental. Some are aware, but they still want to experiment, and some are not aware of the risks they may face by engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse,” Nyanhungo said.

He also dismissed common myths surrounding STI prevention, including the belief that washing the genitals immediately after sex can prevent infection.

Some young people, he said, also believe that certain herbs or other home remedies can protect them after unprotected sexual intercourse.

“That is a myth,” Nyanhungo said, urging young people who are sexually active to protect themselves and seek reliable health information.

The experts stressed that prevention remains one of the most effective tools against STIs, with abstinence and the consistent and correct use of condoms among the measures that can reduce the risk of infection.

Nyamundero said the emphasis on using condoms “consistently and correctly” was important because incorrect use could reduce their effectiveness.

He also called for regular STI screening, particularly for people who may have engaged in risky sexual behaviour.

Early screening, the experts said, can help identify infections before they lead to serious health complications and can also reduce the risk of onward transmission.

Nyanhungo warned against self-medication, saying people who suspect that they have an STI should seek help from qualified health professionals.

He said buying and taking medicines without a proper diagnosis could delay appropriate treatment and result in complications.

“There is a reason why we have nurses and doctors. These are people who are trained to treat us,” he said.

“You need to seek professional health services from a registered medical facility so that you get the right medication and the right dosage.”

The conversation also highlighted the importance of communication between young people, their partners and their families.
Nyanhungo said young people needed negotiation and communication skills to enable them to have honest discussions about condoms, HIV testing, STI screening and other sexual and reproductive health issues.

He said conversations about sexual health should not be treated as taboo, arguing that open and age-appropriate communication could help young people make informed decisions.

AHF used its presence at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to bring some health services closer to members of the public.

The organisation was offering free HIV testing, male and female condoms, comprehensive sexuality education, as well as STI screening and treatment services.

Nyamundero said people who required more comprehensive STI testing could be referred to an AHF Global Wellness Centre.

As Zimbabwe continues efforts to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, the experts said breaking stigma remains essential.

Fear of judgement, embarrassment and misinformation can discourage people, particularly young people, from seeking testing and treatment.

The message from the discussion was clear: sexual health is part of overall health, and young people should not allow stigma, myths or the absence of visible symptoms to stop them from seeking professional care.

For those who are sexually active, the experts urged responsible decision-making, open communication, safer sexual practices and regular testing.

Knowing one’s status, they said, is not a matter of shame, but an important step towards protecting oneself and others.