Mahlangu has encouraged young people not to ignore signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections that are on the rise in Gauteng.
“If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, get it checked out as soon as possible,” she says, following reports of a growing incidence of STIs in Gauteng.
“You can visit a health clinic in your area to find out exactly what you have and how you can treat it and to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid having sex until you’ve seen a doctor about your concerns.”
Mahlangu reports that the department continues to monitor the prevalence of various STIs.
Recent reports reveal that genital blisters without ulceration, genital ulcers and genital warts are among the most common STIs:
- In 2014/15, 18 086 people visited public health facilities with STIs (19 416 in 2013/14)
- The incidence of STIs (in 2014/15) was 33.4% (males) and 66.4% (females)
- The most affected age groups are 25 to 29 years for both males and females
More females are attending public health facilities than males, hence the incidence of STI treated new episode seems to be higher than males.
The syndromic approach to STI diagnosis and management is to treat the signs or symptoms (syndrome) of a group of diseases rather than treating a specific disease.
This allows for the treatment of one or more conditions that often occur at the same time and has been accepted as the management of choice.
The department has embarked on a massive campaign to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, including STIs, using a combination prevention approach.
The campaign and all HIV/AIDS and STI projects are implemented through a branding platform titled PASOP:
- P – Prevent new HIV, STI and TB
- A – Avoid reinfection
- S – Stop the Spread of HIV, STI and TB
- O – Overcome fear, stigma and discrimination
- P – Protect one’s loved ones and others
Young people are encouraged to download the PASOP application (app) for androids.
STIs are preventable and many are treatable.
Early access to care helps prevent further transmission to partners and from mother-to-child, acquisition of additional STIs, and decreases the risk of STI related complications.
“Where possible, STI screening and prevention should become routine and integrated into all health visits and ensuring partners are also tested and treated is an important way of controlling the spread of this infection,” Mahlangu concludes.
