HIV Update: Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections

The prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a fundamental component of sexual and reproductive health, and represents an integral and cost-effective intervention to prevent HIV transmission

Globally, STIs cause considerable mortality and morbidity in both young people, adults and newborns, and have a role in facilitating the transmission of HIV. WHO estimates that each year approximately 500 million new cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis occur in men and women between 15 and 49 years of age, and global incidence continues to rise (WHO 2012). While men accounted for over half of all new cases, women often experience more serious complications. Like HIV, key populations are at higher risk of STIs including sex workers, people who use drugs, transgender people, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

While the prevention and management of STIs has long been an integral part of IPPF’s mission, the provision of services for STIs other than HIV have been a lower priority among many IPPF Member Associations (MAs). In 2012, over 50 per cent of all STI-specific services were provided by two MAs, and nine MAs accounted for 75 per cent of these services. Faced with a growing global incidence of syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis, however, there is a renewed commitment across the Federation to increasing access to STI prevention, screening, and treatment services. 

As a fundamental component of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), this will not only help address STI symptoms and complications, but represents an integral and cost-effective intervention to prevent HIV transmission. It is known that HIV is transmitted and acquired more easily in the presence of untreated STIs, so effective screening and treatment of STIs, along with the correct and consistent use of condoms, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission. It is also a vital part of the SRH of people living with HIV that STIs are effectively diagnosed and treated.

A number of opportunities to scale up and integrate STI services within existing service delivery programmes have been identified and supported by recent technological advances, including a vaccine to prevent the human papillomavirus (HPV), and rapid, point-of-care testing for syphilis. With commitment and support, a number of simple and cost-effective STI services can be scaled-up, and significantly contribute to increasing service delivery across the Federation. 

Download the full issue of the IPPF HIV Update newsletter: http://www.ippf.org/resource/HIV-Update-35-Sexually-transmitted-infections