Prevention control and syndromic management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women

Abstract

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are key public health problem in India with significant effect on sexual and reproductive health. Globally in the age group of 15-49 years, 499 million episodes of remediable sexually transmitted infections occur yearly, of which 80% occur in developing countries and 79 million cases occur in India alone. There is remarkable decrease of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea and syphillis) with chancroid virtually on edge of disappearance. Viral sexually transmitted infections; genital warts, hepatitis B and herpes simplex have an rising trend. There is notable burden of lower reproductive tract infections; Candidiasis, trichomoniasis and Bacterial vaginosis among women with no evidence to indicate decrease in prevalence. In specific populations, STIs prevalence increases the risk of transmitting and ac quiring HIV infection by 2 to 3 times. (RMNCH+A) and STI/RTI Control and Prevention Programme is useful in implementing a user friendly syndromic approach endorsed by WHO and NACO as an effective means to treat STI/RTI along with correct and consistent use of condom for every act of sex. Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal-3, 2030 aims at ending sexually transmitted infections epidemics as utmost health concerns with universal access to reproductive and sexual health for all. Keywords: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Partner Management, Prevention.