STIs and Condom Week 12 18 February 2007
Control and management of STIs is a key intervention in the fight against HIV and Aids, and is one of the main strategies used in efforts to reduce new HIV infections.
In an effort to promote safer sexual practices, and decrease number of people acquiring Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), a STI and Condom Week campaigns are planned to be conducted nationally from 12 – 18 February 2007. The City of Johannesburg, Health Department, will also coordinate awareness campaigns in targeted areas. People will be educated on the importance of practicing safe sexual practices, particularly, correct, and consistent condom use, in an effort to prevent STI infections including HIV and AIDS.
Correct and consistent condom reduce the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, chancroid, trichomoniasis, HPV, herpes, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Condoms can also protect against pregnancy.
STI refers to any disease transmitted by sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections can affect men and women from all backgrounds and economic levels, with approximately two-thirds of cases occurring in individuals less than 25 years of age. STIs can be passed from one person to another — even when there are no symptoms.
Teens are also likely to have more than one partner during their adolescence, which increases the likelihood of getting an infection. Using condoms is the best way to protect against infection for women and men of all ages who have sexual intercourse.
In a bid to control STIs effectively, the City of Johannesburg Health Department has enforced the provision of syndromic management of STIs in all of its health facilities. Syndromic management enables service providers to diagnose an STI syndrome and treat patients 'on the spot', without waiting for the results of time-consuming and costly laboratory tests. By offering treatment on the patient's first visit, it helps to prevent the further spread of STI. It also includes patient education (about the infection, how STIs are transmitted, risky sexual behaviour and how to reduce risk), partner management and the provision of condoms. STI's do not always give symptoms. Therefore some people do not know they have an STI and that they can infect others.
Symptoms that can be caused by a STI are:
more vaginal discharge then usual
pain with urinating or only urinating small amounts
irritability and itching of the vagina
pain while having sex
abnormal blood loss between menstruations or after sex
pain in belly and fever
ulcers, warts, blisters on the vulva or vagina, anus, mouth
pain in the throat (after oral sex)
You can protect yourself from STIs by using a condom every time you have sex, as quality condoms are available from local clinics and hospitals at no cost.
We urge all sexually active people to visit their nearest clinics should they have any queries about STIs or HIV and AIDS. Alternatively, they can phone the toll-free 24-hour AIDS Helpline on 0800 012 322.
Ends
For more information contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
Communications Officer
City of Johannesburg Health Department
Telephone: (011) 407 – 6477
Facsimile: (011) 407 – 1443
E-mail: nkosinathin@joburg.org.za
