Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a global public health challenge. In developing countries, STIs account for 10% to 20% of adult patients attending government health facilities. However, these figures are an underestimate because they are not often treated in public health sector. A proper understanding of the magnitude and pattern of STI is necessary for effective planning and implementation of control strategies. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities, behavioral risk factors, nonmarital/noncommercial sex, male-to-male sexual activity, drug abuse, lack of good and point-of-care diagnostics, inadequate trained health care personnel, and substandard quality of antimicrobials are complicating issues.