More than a million sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are acquired everyday worldwide, majority of which are asymptomatic. Each year there are estimated 374 million new infections with one to four curablle STI’s:Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and trichomoniasis. STI’s have a direct impact on sexually and reproductive health through stigmatization, infertility, cancer and pregnancy complications and can increase the risk of HIV.
More than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STI’s can also be transmitted from mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Eight pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of STI’s. Of these, four are currently curable:Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trimoniasis. The other four are incurable viral infections:Hepatitis B, Herps Simplex Virus(HSV),HIV and Human Papillomovirus(HPV).
STI’s have serious consequences beyond immediate impact of infection itself like increasing the risk of HIV acquisition, Mother to child STIs can result to stillbirth, low-birth weight and prematurity. STI’s are often asymptomatic. When symptoms occur they can be non-specific. Moreover,laboratory tests rely on blood, urine or anatomical samples. Three anatomical sites can carry at least one STI. These differences are modulated by sex and sexual risk. These differences can mean the diagnosis of STI, is often missed and individuals are frequently for two or more STI’s.
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and syphilis are generally curable with existing single-dose regimens of antibiotics. Educating, counselling can improve people’s ability to recognize the symptoms of STI’s and increase the likelihood that they will seek care and encourage sexual partner to do so. WHO supports countries to create an encouraging environment allowing individuals to discuss STI’s, adopt safer sexual practices, seek treatment and also facilitate adoption of point-of-care tests.
Regards,
Winnie Joy and Lavenda Nyagoa
Rongo University
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