Sexually transmitted infections are rising at an alarming rate in Maun, with urethral discharge syndrome among males and vaginal discharge syndrome among females emerging as the most prevalent cases.
Health authorities have also raised concern over the increasing cases of genital warts and genital ulcer diseases. The spike in infections has been linked to key barriers that prevent young people from seeking timely healthcare, including fear of stigma, lack of confidentiality, and judgment from healthcare providers.
In an interview, Principal Registered Nurse at Matshwane Clinic in Maun, Keneilwe Thankane shared that data from the clinic reveals a troubling trend. In 2024, 1,509 cases of urethral discharge syndrome and 1,889 of vaginal discharge syndrome were recorded, along with 578 STI contacts. Between January and March 2025, these numbers already stand at 397, 533, and 188 respectively.
Thankane attributed the surge to several barriers that prevent youth from seeking timely medical care primarily fear of stigma, judgment from health workers, and lack of confidentiality.
“Many young people arrive at the clinic when it’s already too late to manage the infection simply because they’re afraid of being judged,” she said.
She shared a memorable encounter with one young woman who initially came to the clinic hesitant and shy but left with so much trust in the service that she later returned with six of her different sexual partners for treatment.
“That showed us how much impact youth-friendly and confidential services can have,” said Thankane.
She applauded the efforts of the youth clinic in Maun, which she said has made a significant difference by offering non-judgmental, tailor-made services delivered by trained youth staff. However, she warned that with only one such facility in the entire Ngamiland region, many adolescents in remote areas are left out.
“There is a need to expand these services because one youth clinic isn’t enough for a region as vast as ours,” she emphasized.
An anonymous source noted that the rising STI cases among youth in Maun are partly driven by high unemployment and poverty, which often lead young people to engage in transactional relationships.
She urged her peers to make wiser decisions and seek medical help promptly, emphasizing that early treatment can prevent complications.
“Most of us are struggling financially, and sometimes that pushes young people into relationships just for survival-for money or basic needs and that’s how diseases spread,” said anonymous source.
A young person from Maun, Nancy Mbaera shared that her experience at Matshwane Youth Clinic was both welcoming and professional, praising the staff for their respectful and non-judgmental approach. She encouraged fellow youth to take advantage of such services and consistently use protection to safeguard their health.
“But we have to be smart about our choices and take our health seriously. If something doesn’t feel right, we should go to the clinic early and not wait until things get worse,” she said.
Meanwhile, reports from Matshwane Youth clinic reveal that new HIV infections among adolescents in 2025 are rising at an alarming rate with 4272 news infections in 2025 to 1065 cases in the first quarter this year, and young girls being the most affected. This trend is deeply concerning and calls for urgent intervention, particularly from parents and guardians.
Parental involvement in educating and guiding their children on sexual health is crucial to help curb the spread of HIV and support healthier lifestyle choices among the youth.
