About 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual interactions. Eight of these pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Of these 8 infections, 4 of them are curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Whereas the other 4 are viral infections, which are incurable: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus, HIV, and human papillomavirus. 

STIs are spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or the blood products. Many STIs, including syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, and HPV can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and/or childbirth. It is often difficult to avoid transmitting infections as one can have STIs without having or showing obvious symptoms. 

Education-behavioural interventions offer the primary prevention against STIs or unintended pregnancies that include comprehensive sexuality education, STIs and HIV pre and post-test counselling; safer sex and risk-reduction counselling; condom promotion; as well as interventions targeted to key populations, such as STIs prevention education or counselling tailored to the needs of adolescents.

STIs have serious consequences beyond the immediate impact of the infection itself, comprehensive sexuality education improves people’s ability to practice safe sex and increase the likelihood for seeking care and encourage others to do so. Unfortunately, a lack of training, public awareness and the long-standing, widespread stigma around STIs remain barriers to greater and effective use and application of these interventions. We are changing the narrative!