Rising STI Cases Alarm Health Officials in Mayuge District

Health workers in Mayuge District are concerned over persistent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with a recent one-week medical camp treating more than 300 cases.

The outreach, run by Mayuge District Local Government alongside Team Broken Earth (TBE)-Canada and Save Young Mothers-Uganda, offered STI treatment, antenatal care, cervical screening, and general check-ups to remote areas.

District Health Officer Dr Asuman Basembeza noted that infections like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia keep appearing at facilities, often with patients arriving late and complications already set in.

He pointed to risky behaviours, poor hygiene, low awareness in rural spots, stigma, and self-medication as main drivers. Village Health Teams are now boosting education and screening efforts, while STI services integrate into routine care like antenatal visits.

A patient from Busu Village shared how lack of knowledge led her to treat alone, causing repeated infections with pain and discharge. She learned partners must seek care together.

Ms Michelle Murphy of TBE reported women dominate cases, but more men are coming forward. She stressed untreated partners fuel reinfections, especially since many men show no symptoms yet spread diseases.

Dr Kelly Monaghan, a TBE specialist in women’s health, highlighted women enduring symptoms for years, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and organ damage.

Experts call for normalising testing, completing full treatment courses, using condoms during therapy, and community-wide education to cut STI rates.

This story is based on a report from Daily Monitor (Uganda).