Title: STD control efforts in health units.

POPLINE Document Number: 125516

Author(s):

Grosskurth H
Mwijarubi E

Source citation:

In: HIV prevention and AIDS care in Africa. A district level approach, edited by Japheth Ng'weshemi, Ties Boerma, John Bennett and Dick Schapink. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Royal Tropical Institute, 1997. :221-40.

Abstract:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increase the risk of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for women. Since STD patients are more likely than others to be HIV-infected, proper case management is essential to prevent community transmission. Components of STD case management include privacy and confidentiality, a caring attitude on the part of health workers, evidence-based diagnosis, syndromic treatment with effective drugs, health education to avoid future infection, condom promotion and provision, partner notification, recording and reporting, and assessment of treatment outcomes. However, a substantial proportion of patients with STDs do not seek treatment from health facilities; in many other cases, infections are asymptomatic. Because of the serious implications of STDs for women's health, all women who come into contact with the health system (at antenatal, family planning, and under-five clinics) should be screened for STDs. A combination of history taking, risk assessment questioning, simple genital examination, and at least one blood sampling during pregnancy is recommended.

Keywords:

Africa, Sub Saharan
HIV Prevention
AIDS Prevention
Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention
Health Services Administration
Screening
Africa
Developing Countries
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
AIDS
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections
Management
Organization and Administration
Examinations and Diagnoses