Like in many of the sub-Saharan countries, Ghana struggles with the scourge of sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia is most common in the recent emerging studies. It is due to a combination of factors and ignorance. Though the disease can be fatal, the population is still adamant about coming forth for testing. With retrogressive traditional beliefs, most men are suffering in silence.
Demographic Prevalence of Chlamydia
The hindrance of having precise statistics is the laying back of men to come for testing. However, with the scanty tests that are available, it proves that men are more prevalent in getting chlamydia than women. Despite the statistics, there is a low drive in civic education in combating the spread of venereal disease. Most young men are engaging in multiple sexual activities without any meaningful protection.
In the geographical distribution, fewer women in big cities like Accra and Kumasi show fewer numbers in findings than in the countryside. However, it does not indicate that the cities are clean of the disease. Nonetheless, it could mean that most women in big urban centers are more aware of their role in using protection during sexual encounters.
Repercussions of Untreated Chlamydia in Women
The statistics of the infections in women are rising. This is because women undergo several screening tests during their pregnancy periods. Still, most of them discover they have the disease when the damage to the pregnancy is done. The typical outcomes of untreated infections in pregnant women are many.
They range from tubal infections, stillbirth, congenital deformations, and pre-term labor. Other manifestations include giving birth to low weight babies, and babies with traces of the disease. The most significant setback is the delivery of most women in the countryside through traditional midwives. Likewise, there is a culture of overdependence on conventional herbs.
Mitigation Measures on Chlamydia in Ghana
The fight against chlamydia and other related diseases is poorly gaining ground due to several factors. Most of the men do not come forward for testing and subsequent treatment. For those who do, they do not come back after three months for confirmation of cure.
There is a culture of multiple sexual partners in most young people. This aids in the spread of the disease, mostly in institutions of higher learning. It is an epidemic that is coupled with diverse catalysts. Similarly, there are many instances where victims of the disease opt for over the counter medication rather than proper consultation. When the symptoms cease, one leaves the drug.
With a combination of all the above and other traditional beliefs of witchcraft, the fight against chlamydia will be slow in Ghana. Most people who keep suffering are women and unborn children. Indeed, the relevant authorities need to gain momentum.
References
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-019-4035-y
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2956315/