One strategy being adopted by sub-Saharan African countries to respond to the rapidly growing HIV/AIDS epidemic is early diagnosis and treatment of STIs by providing STI services through existing MCH/FP services. Due to lack of affordable and reliable laboratory services most of the programs are adopting the use of syndromic management on the assumption that it is a cost-effective strategy.
Three case control studies in Kenya and Zimbabwe of clients attending maternal and child-health clinics (MCHC) were undertaken to determine the prevalence and distribution of STI symptoms, signs and laboratory evidence of Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichominiasis and Bacterial Vaginosis. The effectiveness of various syndromic diagnosis and management algorithms were compared using their sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values. Average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were determined for four different algorithms. The results from these studies will be presented and discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session participants will be able to describe the prevalence of RTIs among MCH/FP clients, discuss the cost-effectiveness of syndromic management and articulate the need for STI prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa
Keywords: Cost Issues, STD Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.