More than 448 million people around the globe are infected with STIs. 110 million of those infected live in the sub-Saharan African region. That’s is almost a quarter of the entire population carrying these infections.
For many years now, sub-Saharan Africa has been dealing with a high prevalence of STIs. Syphilis, chlamydia, trich, herpes, and gonorrhea are a serious issue for Africa, with Gonorrhea having the highest prevalence in the southern region registered at 4.6%.
This infection, like all the others, is extremely common among the young population between the ages of 15 to 24. If these infections are left untreated, they will have a significant impact on the quality of life, reproductive system, and a child’s health.
So, why is early diagnosis important for treating these infections? Let’s take a look at why early detection and treatment are vital for those infected.
The Importance of an Early Diagnosis for STIs
Early diagnosis for STIs is the key to a successful prognosis for these infections. The sooner people get diagnosed, the better the chances of receiving medications for successful and quick treatment effects.
This, in fact, allows people to have a better opportunity in treating these infections rather than transmitting them. An early diagnosis helps people live longer and reduces their chances of developing these infections later in life.
Detecting the STIs early on plays a crucial role in stopping the transmission of these infections to the unborn child or sexual partner. In certain cases, it might even save someone’s life.
By treating these infections on time, people can avoid:
- Infertility
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Cervical cancer
- Birth defects or pregnancy risks
- Dementia
- Organ damage
- Stillbirth
If people do test positive for any STIs, no matter if it’s a parasitic, viral, or bacterial infection, it’s important that they seek treatment to avoid these health complications and live a healthy life.
Most STIs can be treated with simple medications, but if left untreated, they can result in HIV or AIDS. However, AIDS/HIV will require different drugs to suppress the virus rather than to eliminate it.
Why Do People in Africa Have the Highest Prevalence in STIs?
Even though many developing countries, particularly in the African region, do have access to screening equipment for STIs, these infections still remain a major problem for the entire population.
Africa has inadequate treatment and prevention gaps for controlling these infections. Because of the limited access to such treatments, many STIs remain undetected and untreated.
Also, due to the cultural stigma surrounding STIs, many infections remain undiagnosed, and people often don’t get adequate treatment.
If these STIs are not managed on-time, people are prone to developing an HIV infection and transmitting that infection.
Early diagnosis and treatment for STIs are vital
Early diagnosis and treatment for STIs are vital, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. To control the constant transmission, people need access to early screenings and proper antibiotics to treat these infections.
While Africa still remains the most infected region with sexually transmitted infections, it’s without a doubt, the most important area to address and increase awareness of this problem and to make screening options, diagnosis, and treatment available for the entire population.
References
https://sti.bmj.com/content/87/Suppl_2/ii10
https://sti.bmj.com/content/87/Suppl_2/ii19
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002511
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00054174.htm