STIs are a Global Responsibility
Sexually Transmitted Infections are a Global issue, and, subsequently, need to be a Global responsibility. The epidemic rates of STIs around the world speak to the seriousness of the issue. Strategies have been put in place since 2006 with a target date of 2030 that “sets out a vision, goals, targets, guiding principles and priority actions for ending the sexually transmitted infections epidemic as a public health problem.”
According to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Global HIV, viral hepatitis epidemics and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose significant public health challenges, causing 2.5 million deaths each year. As well, four of the curable STIs – syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis – account for over 1 million infections daily.
So why do numbers keep increasing? Where are the issues and disconnects that are resulting in STIs remaining an epidemic for so many years?
Why are STIs Escalating?
When the world was faced with a Covid Epidemic, there were immediate responses worldwide. Yet STIs continue to rise, some are becoming or have become antibiotic resistant, and many result in long-term health issues. STIs were already at epidemic proportions years ago, and yet they continue to rise with little to no awareness from the general public.
The issues surrounding the escalation of STIs are multi-faceted. They encompass funding, stigma, social and economic issues, misconceptions, and a lack of resources that result in a shortfall in education and awareness. In short, they are entwined in every aspect of our lives and impact all of us in some manner. If we are to see the reduction or elimination of STIs as a Global public health concern the world needs to overcome the many political, sociocultural, economic, and operational barriers.
Health Impact
Due to the asymptomatic nature of a number of STIs many individuals are unaware of being infected. This results in higher transmission rates, long-term or chronic health issues, and ultimately a higher cost of treatment. The diverse complications from sexually transmitted infections have a serious impact on the sexual and reproductive health of many. If we are to see a global reduction in case numbers, we then need to have a series of guidelines and steps for all to follow. Is the concept of a universal strategy even feasible knowing it would require the cooperation of all countries with regards to prevention, diagnostic, treatment and changing behaviors? From a humanitarian perspective we all would like to hope so!
The WHO’s report “Global Health Sector Strategy On Sexually Transmitted Infections 2016–2021” also speaks to the physical, psychological and social consequences of sexually transmitted infections and how they severely compromise the quality of life of those infected.
Human Rights Based Health Care
The right to comprehensive health care that encompasses all aspect of one’s well being should be something all people are able to access. Yet we know this is not the case, as well as being a large contributor to the epidemic status. There needs to be strong partnerships developed between all other areas of health in order for this multi-faceted approach to work and offer all people access to basic health care. We need interventions, policies and treatments that are built on human rights. Sexual wellness needs to be viewed as integral to one’s health as mental health, physical health, and emotional health are today. Our sexual health directly impacts all of the other aspects of our health, so to continue to shroud it in stigma, shame, religious or political views negatively impacts our overall well-being.
The WHO recognizes that there is a gap in ensuring access to high-quality human rights-based and gender-sensitive services for STIs is essential. A greater focus is needed on implementing effective and efficient interventions, such as condom programming, comprehensive sexuality education and strengthened awareness around sexual health matters, targeted vaccination for HPV, hepatitis B virus and mpox, timely management of signs and symptoms of STIs, partner services, and population-focused and geographically focused screening and treatment, particularly for syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. This gap can only be filled by us all working together to take control of and eliminate the ongoing Global STI epidemic.