STI management and control in Latin America: where do we stand and where do we go from here?

Abstract

Control of sexually transmitted infection (STI) remains challenging in most regions; Latin America (LA) is no exception. The Latin American and Caribbean Association for the Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections (ALAC-ITS)1 implemented a survey to collect information on STI programmes in the region. This paper highlights some important sexual behavioural trends from recently published literature and presents key results of the survey of STI programmes, identifying weaknesses, strengths and opportunities for STI control in LA. ALAC-ITS developed a survey to assess reporting, epidemiology and organisational aspects of STI programmes. The survey was distributed in November 2007 by email to the directors of the national STI programmes in 20 ALAC-ITS member countries. The following 19 countries returned the survey: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela. Haiti did not respond. The data analysed were shared and validated at a meeting in March 2008, with representatives from 18 national STI programmes, ALAC-ITS, and international agencies. In addition, we have updated information on some countries with data from the national STI programmes and ALAC-ITS members. Data related to syphilis have been published.2 We have complemented the data presented with literature review. ### Sexual behaviour in LA A recent analysis of sexual behaviour around the world revealed that age at first sexual intercourse in LA varies from a median of 16.5 to 17.5 years for men and 15.5 to 17.5 years for women.3 …