Zambia Records Over 114,000 Syphilis Cases as People Continue to Shun Condoms

Zambia has recorded 114,663 syphilis cases in 2025, up from 44,788 in 2021, amid concerns over declining condom use and continued transmission of the sexually transmitted infection.

The highest number of cases has been recorded in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern, Central and Southern provinces.

Health authorities say high-risk sexual behaviour and low and declining condom use are among the factors driving the spread of syphilis.

Other factors include urbanisation, unemployment, poverty and marginalisation, while gaps in notifying sexual partners are also making it difficult to control transmission.

The development has prompted renewed efforts to strengthen prevention, testing and treatment services across the country.

Speaking at the launch of a campaign aimed at stopping the further spread of syphilis, Dr Lisulo Walubita, representing the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, said the Ministry of Health remained committed to strengthening the national response to HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

Walubita said the ministry was working to ensure a reliable supply of testing commodities, train healthcare workers and expand access to screening and treatment services in communities.

National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council Director of Programmes Katongo Silwizya, speaking on behalf of the Director General, said NAC remained committed to strengthening coordination of interventions aimed at reducing the burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Zambia.

AHF Africa Bureau Chief Martin Matabishi emphasised the need to expand access to STI testing, treatment and condoms across Africa.

Meanwhile, AHF Zambia Country Programme Manager Dr Webster Chewe said the organisation had intensified community outreach, testing and treatment of STIs through its wellness centres in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

The latest figures have increased attention on condom use and access to STI services as health authorities seek to reduce the spread of syphilis in Zambia.