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Councillor Alex Senge claimed a sexually transmitted infection called “blue sick” is being spread in Kwekwe by foreign workers who arrive without their spouses.
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Proposed “bring-your-wife” law: Senge called on Parliament to enact legislation requiring all foreign nationals applying for work permits to be accompanied by their spouses to curb rising STI cases.
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Surge in STIs: Kwekwe is experiencing a sharp rise in STI cases, particularly affecting teenagers and people in their twenties.
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Failed prevention efforts: The city has conducted roadshows and condom handouts, but free condom stocks are running dry and disappearing from shelves, leaving young people exposed.
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Foreign workers blamed: Senge pointed fingers at foreign men who come alone, leave wives behind, and engage in relationships with local women—though no evidence was presented.
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No health official response: Health officials were not present at the meeting to respond to the claims.
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Warning to young women: Senge urged young women in Kwekwe to avoid risky transactional relationships due to dangers of STIs and HIV.
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Ongoing campaign: The Zimbabwe Parliamentary Youth Caucus is running a sexual and reproductive health rights campaign to get information and services to youth before the crisis worsens.
