| Popis: |
The aggressive identification and treatment of individuals with potentially curable Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) is one of the most effective strategies to combat the spread of HIV. Published data indicates that overall HIV transmission in a population can be lowered by 40% by treating curable STDs in sexually active populations. The United Stated Ceneters for Disease Control and Prevention lists treatment of curable STDs as one of its main anti-HIV strategies. Since E&P projects are increasingly located in global areas that have high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, the strategy of identifying and treating cases of curable STDs in both the workforce and as a potential community outreach program has a strong rationale. In order to rapidly, accurately and cost-effectively diagnosis and treat curable STDs, there are several diagnostic strategies that can be considered: 1) syndromic evaluation and treatment algorithms that do not require laboratory support, 2) selective use of cheap, rapid lab tests such as urine leukocyte esterase dipsticks, gram stains and 3) use of immunochromatographic strip tests of clinical swab material (cervical, urethral). Each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages, particularly regarding sensitivity, specificity and predictive value. Substantial screening efforts using theses diagnostic algorithms have been made in the workforce for the Chad Development Project. In addition, a large community outreach program in Cameroon for diagnosis and treatment of curable STDs was initiated as part of the same Project. The preliminary results of these efforts will be presented and discussed. |
