At the 23rd World Congress of the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI), WHO launched a new module of its implementation tool for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to support countries that implement and scale up integrated STI services for people using PrEP. . The module provides a framework and practical guidance for decision makers, program and facility managers and health workers for the gradual integration of sexually transmitted infection (STI) services taking into account the local context and modes of PrEP delivery services.
People who would benefit from PrEP for HIV infection are also at high risk for other STIs. Globally, 1 in 4 people who will benefit from PrEP for HIV have been previously diagnosed with at least 1 STI, i.e. gonorrhea, syphilis or chlamydia before starting PrEP.
Because STIs are asymptomatic, many of these infections would have been missed and the chain of transmission continued if testing had not been done. Given that many STIs are easily cured, providing STI services for people on PrEP is an opportunity not to be missed. The WHO recently conducted a review of national HIV PrEP guidance documents and found that a third did not mention STIs as part of their PrEP recommendations.
“Providing STI services for people using PrEP creates an opportunity to reach those at higher risk of infection who might otherwise go undiagnosed, especially since most STIs are asymptomatic no symptoms,” said Teodora Wi, head of WHO’s Global STI Programme. “This approach is beneficial for the person with an STI, their sexual partners, and also for the STI response,” he added.
“Integrating services at the primary care level creates efficiencies and synergies for the health system and promotes a people-centred approach to improving people’s sexual health and their quality of care,” said Meg Doherty , director of WHO’s global programs on HIV, hepatitis and STIs. . “We hope this new guidance will contribute to these goals.”