STD, sexually transmitted disease, as the name suggests, is an infection that passes from one person to another through sexual intercourse. As of today, there are 20 types of STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, HIV, and a few more.
These are the acknowledged diseases & advancements, and vaccines are being developed for the same now and then. Usually, these diseases can be contracted by both men and women, but the health problems faced by women are more severe.
STDs happen mostly due to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. There is a cure for bacterial and parasitic transmission but no vaccine or drug for an STD caused by a virus. Although there are medicines to control the symptoms, there is no cure.
- In Africa, the statistical data states that Gonorrhoea is the most transmitted STD, which cause some specific disease to women and men.
- The stats for syphilis are also high in Africa, considering the late recognition of symptoms makes it more dangerous.
- A survey conducted by UNAIDS states that in 2017 around 37 million people were diagnosed with HIV and that 66% of patients were from South Africa.
- Apart from Gonorrhoea, AIDS is a serious health disease in South Africa.
- Considering the United Nations statistical data gathered in 2019, Africa has the highest rate of people diagnosed with the disease and globally, the country ranked 4 with an adult HIV prevalence rate.
- There was a 2019 survey that stated a meta-analysis, wherein 14% of transgender women have HIV. And going by the race and creed factor, 44% of Africans suffers from the same.
It was WHO survey that estimated the data of:
- 3.5 million = Syphilis
- 15 million = Chlamydia
- 16 million = Gonorrhoea
- 30 million = Trichomoniasis
And it occurs every year.
Are The Stats Going Up or Down In Africa?
These statistics are far worse when one compares it to other countries. One must take STDs very seriously considering their widespread prevalence.
- If we look at the growing diseases in Africa apart from the above mentioned then, Herpes simplex virus infection and human papillomavirus are rising in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. STDs have different treatments; usually, if the diseases portray one of the four syndromes, the treatment then preferred is syndromic.
- The rising number of diseases in Africa suggests that the country should opt for a strategically found solution to slow down the spread of this disease. The control solution can include ways to prevent disease, screening, and the early diagnosis and treatment of the same.
STDs are one of the most dangerous diseases that can have long term effects, and it is better to get oneself checked before it’s too late.
References
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12348788/#:~:text=Sub-Saharan%20Africa%20ranks%20first,30%20million%20cases%20of%20trichomoniasis
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4000753/