Breaking the Cycle
of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Some 340 million new cases of curable sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) occur every year. The figure does
not include HIV or other
viral STIs — including hepatitis B, genital herpes and genital
warts, which are not curable.
The most common of the curable STIs
are gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. Their prevention
and treatment is an important
part of UNFPA’s mandate, as agreed to at the ICPD.
Sexually transmitted infections constitute a significant health burden and increase the risks of transmission of HIV.
Sexually transmitted
infections continue to take an enormous toll on health, particularly
on women’s reproductive health. In
fact, next to complications of pregnancy and childbirth, they are
the leading cause of health problems for women of reproductive
age. They can cause pregnancy-related complications, including
spontaneous abortions, premature birth, stillbirth and congenital
infections. They can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and
cervical cancer.
Every year, at least half a million infants are born with congenital syphilis. In addition, maternal syphilis causes another half million stillbirths and miscarriages annually.
Most cases of infertility are attributable to
STIs.
Worldwide, the disease burden of STIs in women is more than five
times that of men. The presence of one or more STIs increases the
risk of becoming infected with HIV by two to nine times. Women’s
greater susceptibility to these infections is based on both biological
and social realities. Women’s health can also be affected
by reproductive health tract infections that are not sexually transmitted,
including vaginosis and candida.
Sexually active young people are especially vulnerable to STIs.
Each day, some 500,000 young people, mostly young women, are infected
with an STI (excluding HIV). Those who become sexually active at
an early age are more likely to change sexual partners and risk
greater exposure. Most know very little about these infections
and many are reluctant to seek services. Only 17 per cent of sexually
active young people use contraceptives. Many are unaware that condoms
offer dual protection from unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Even if
they want to use condoms, they may not have ready access to them,
or may be unable to negotiate their use.
UNFPA supports the integration
and prevention and treatment of STIs within a package of reproductive
services. For instance,
screening of pregnant women is an important aspect of antenatal
care, as STIs can be dangerous for both mothers and newborns.
Making “youth-friendly” reproductive health information
and services readily accessible to young
people is another cornerstone of UNFPA’s approach to
the problem. UNFPA is also active in procurement and logistical
support for both male and female condoms.
Other key strategies
to combat STIs include:
- Condom promotion and distribution
- Community-based advocacy
on the dangers of STIs and ways to prevent them
- Early diagnosis
and treatment (of clients and their partners)
- Providing specific
services for populations at risk - such as long-distance truck
drivers, military personnel and prisoners
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