Authors : Ruby Bhatia
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijogr.2019.057
Volume : 6
Issue : 3
Year : 2019
Page No : 243-250
Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are key public health
problem in India with significant effect on sexual and reproductive health. Globally in the age group
of 15-49 years, 499 million episodes of remediable sexually transmitted infections occur yearly, of which
80% occur in developing countries and 79 million cases occur in India alone. There is remarkable decrease
of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea and syphillis) with chancroid virtually on edge of
disappearance. Viral sexually transmitted infections; genital warts, hepatitis B and herpes simplex have
an rising trend. There is notable burden of lower reproductive tract infections; Candidiasis, trichomoniasis
and Bacterial vaginosis among women with no evidence to indicate decrease in prevalence. In specific
populations, STIs prevalence increases the risk of transmitting and ac quiring HIV infection by 2 to 3
times.
(RMNCH+A) and STI/RTI Control and Prevention Programme is useful in implementing a user friendly
syndromic approach endorsed by WHO and NACO as an effective means to treat STI/RTI along with
correct and consistent use of condom for every act of sex. Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal-3,
2030 aims at ending sexually transmitted infections epidemics as utmost health concerns with universal
access to reproductive and sexual health for all.
Keywords: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Partner Management, Prevention.