Arusha — The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is bracing to establish causes and possible solutions for prevalent sexually transmitted diseases among students in the higher learning institutions.

The Director of Medical Services in the Ministry, Dr. Donan Mmbando said survey had shown STD spread rate was high among the educated in the country. Dr. Mmbando who was presenting a paper in a five day meeting of stakeholders in health sector from the government and private institutions attributed the spread to casual and irresponsible sex practice among students in those institutions.

He said the situation in universities and colleges was alarming saying he had recently received a phone call from one of the vice chancellors asking for sexual health education to be delivered in colleges.

The director stressed the need for stakeholders to work together in controlling STD among the young academics. He said the ministry was worried of the situation and wanted prompt measures to be taken to control the spread. "Comrades the situation is alarming" stressed Dr. Mmbando without giving figures.