STI
To be written by SolthisWhy is it important to improve screening and management of STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections, whether bacterial or viral, are a major public health problem.
Nearly one million cases occur every day worldwide, about a quarter of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.
If left untreated, certain STIs can lead to serious complications: infertility, ectopic pregnancies, pregnancy complications, neonatal infections, cervical cancer, or an increased risk of HIV transmission.
However, screening and treatment remain inadequate. The syndromic approach can lead to the underdiagnosis of certain STIs, particularly among women, or, conversely, to overprescription of medications, which contributes to the emergence of drug resistance.
Young people and key populations are particularly at risk, largely due to stigma, a lack of appropriate services, and inadequate prevention programs.
The priorities are therefore to improve the diagnosis and treatment of STIs, to strengthen syphilis screening and treatment—particularly as part of the “triple elimination” initiative—to expand HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention, and to support civil society advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights.