STIs Management Program

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a priority to the Ministry of Health because of their correlation with HIV. It is essential that STIs are properly managed at the first point of contact with our health services using the syndromic management approach which was adopted by the country in 1996 because it had been found to be the most cost-effective and efficient approach. Improperly managed STIs play a major role in sustaining high levels of STI in communities and further cause long term complications.

The transmission efficiency is generally greater from men to women than the reverse this is because of biological factors. More women tend to have nonspecific or vague symptoms and therefore delay seeking care, which often results in delayed diagnosis and reduced quality of care. The complications are more frequent in women, often severe or permanent. Virologically on a worldwide scale, even HIV follows that pattern.

The Graphs is evident that STI’s still Affect more females than males. Out of approximately 129 310 seen at OPD’s 55.4% are females and males account for only 44.6%. Genital ulcer syndrome accounts for 14.5% of all OPD Cases and Other STI’s is the highest at 53.2%.

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The use of standardized national protocols is strongly recommended in order to ensure adequate treatment at all levels of health care delivery system. Standardized treatment facilitates training and supervision of health providers and this in turn delays the development of antimicrobial resistance in sexually transmitted infections (STI).

In scalling up knowledge in STIs for learners, SNAP is working with the Ministry of Education through the school health program  to sensitize pupils on Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) issues.

INTERVENTION AREA DESCRIPTION

Effective management is one of the cornerstone of STI control. It prevents the development of complications and sequel, decreases the spread of these diseases in the community and offers a unique opportunity for targeted education about HIV prevention and other STI’s. Appropriate treatment of STI at the first contact between patient and health care provider is therefore an important public health measure;

Swaziland has incorporated the treatment of all possible STI aetiologies including viral infections.
Effective management is one of the cornerstones of STI control. It prevents the development of complications and sequel, decreases the spread of these diseases in the community and offers a unique opportunity for targeted education about HIV prevention and other STI’s.
Appropriate treatment of STI at the first contact between patient and health care provider is therefore an important public health measure.

PRIORITY STRATEGIES
  • Strengthen national capacity to provide STI services.
  • Strengthen behaviour change communication for sexually transmitted infections.
  • Include STI treatment as part of the package for sexual reproductive health services.
  • Strengthen cervical cancer screening among HIV positive females.