World Day for the Prevention of Mainly Sexually Transmitted Infections

February 9, 2024

On February 16, 2024, the world celebrates the Day of Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

 According to the World Health Organization, more than one million people are infected with STIs every day.  These infections can have serious consequences. STIs such as herpes and syphilis can increase the risk of HIV transmission by three or more times. Transmission of STIs from mother to child can lead to stillbirth, newborn death, low birth weight, prematurity, sepsis, pneumonia, neonatal conjunctivitis and birth defects.

According to official statistical reports, the total number of STI patients in the country (including urogenital candidiasis and gardnerellosis) in 2023 amounted to 28,231 (142.8 per 100,000 population) cases against 40939 (214.1 per 100,000 total population) in 2022.

It is necessary to note a decrease in all STIs in 2023 compared to 2022: syphilis – from 10.7 per 100 thousand population in 2022 to 9.3 – in 2023 (1.1 times); gonococcal infection – from 7.5 in 2022 to 6.8 – in 2023 (1.1 times); urogenital chlamydia – from 16.5 in 2022, up to 13.4 – in 2023 (1.2 times); urogenital trichomoniasis – from 21.9 in 2022 to 16.3 – in 2023 (1.3 times).

According to the reporting data of 2023, 11 cases of congenital syphilis were registered in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

As of today, all clinical protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs have been updated in accordance with international recommendations. The current clinical protocols of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis have changed the diagnostic algorithm. The complex of serological reactions or the Wasserman reaction is excluded from the algorithm.

In 2023, the Standard for the Organization of Dermatovenerological Care in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Order No. 43 of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 20, 2023, was approved.The Standard includes measures for PMTCT of syphilis, diagnosis of congenital syphilis and stillbirths.

Additions and changes to clinical protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs have been developed and aimed at inclusion in the list of priority topics for 2024.

In the centers for the prevention of HIV infection, diagnosis and treatment of STIs among key population groups are carried out within the framework of friendly offices.

Pre-contact prophylaxis has been introduced for populations at high risk of HIV infection, including those with STIs and promiscuous sexual relations.

Despite the fairly widespread occurrence of STIs, the implementation of the simplest recommendations (rejection of early sexual activity, permanent sexual partner, exclusion of accidental sexual contact, use of a condom and other personal protective equipment) guarantees the safety of intimate life and the preservation of health.

 A. Utegenova,

dermatovenerologist of the National Research Center

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