2023-08-15 08:00:25
Every year, worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 374 million people contract one of the STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) for which there is a treatment: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomoniasis. And the numbers keep rising over the years, with major impacts in terms of public health. In this context, the WHO calls for better access for the entire world population to screening and diagnostic methods.
STIs, more than a million cases every day in the world
THE IS bring together a vast set of pathologies whose common point is a sexual transmissionwith notably :
In total, more than 30 pathogens (bacteria, viruses or parasites) can be sexually transmitted, regardless of the nature of the sexual intercourse. Some STIs are also passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
All of these diseases have a strong impact on the health of individuals who contract them with sometimes serious consequences:
- A stigma;
- Decreased fertility or even sterility;
- Complications of pregnancy, which can go as far as the death of the fetus;
- Cancers, such as cervical cancer or liver cancer.
STI: prevent, detect and treat
Of the 8 most common STIs around the world, only half can be treated, the other 4 are incurable viral pathologies. In addition, the list of infections likely to be contracted during sexual intercourse is growing year by year, with the appearance in recent years of virus Ebola et Zika, or monkey pox. Faced with STIs, there are effective means of prevention:
- The male condom;
- Vaccination when available, especially against hepatitis B and against HPV infections.
Research is also underway to develop vaccines capable of protecting against HIV infection or against infection by the Herpes virus. At the same time, antibiotic or antiviral treatments can be recommended before and after exposure, for example PrEP to prevent HIV infection.
Beyond the treatment of STIs, one of the major challenges for the WHO is to strengthen screening and diagnostic strategies around the world. Indeed, many STIs cause no symptoms or cause non-specific symptoms that go unnoticed. Systematic screening in all risk situations is developing in industrialized countries, with reliable diagnostic tests.
WHO commits to strengthening screening and diagnosis of STIs
In countries with low or moderate incomes, the situation is more complex at all levels, from informing and raising awareness of the population about STIs to the reliability of diagnostic tests, including the availability and accessibility of screenings. While rapid and affordable tests are available for syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV, this is not the case for chlamydia or gonorrhea. Other tests are being developed to strengthen screening in certain regions of the world. It also remains to cross cultural and religious barriers in places.
To strengthen screening and diagnosis of STIs, WHO is working alongside member countries to develop reliable and affordable tests which can be carried out at the place of care or as close as possible to the people (home for example), but also to multiply the information and awareness campaigns aimed at the populations to reduce risky behavior. These efforts and actions in favor of screening could make it possible, with therapeutic advances and vaccination, to reduce STIs in the world.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
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