FHI - Management of STIs

DECEMBER 2006 — Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase the transmission of HIV. They make those who are HIV-negative more vulnerable to HIV and those who also have HIV more likely to transmit it to others. STIs also cause a wide range of health problems including infertility, life-threatening extra-uterine pregnancies, genital cancers, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths and infections among newborn infants. The early detection and treatment of STIs are, therefore, an important part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the spread of HIV.

With funding from USAID, FHI collaborated with Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population to develop guidelines and training materials for comprehensive care of sexually transmitted infections. These materials, which are intended to be used at the national level and can be adapted and used throughout the entire Middle-East and North Africa region, include:

National Guidelines for the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (PDF, 2.35 MB)
A training manual for the management of sexually transmitted infections. To facilitate download, the manual is available in two parts: part one (PDF, 4.45 MB), part two (PDF, 4.34 MB).
A wall chart (PDF, 2 MB) featuring the "Enhanced Syndromic Approach" to STI management, adapted to the Egyptian context to facilitate the work of providers in STI clinics
Print materials to promote use of STI clinics and raise awareness of the importance of STI prevention, treatment and care (Arabic brochure - PDF, 1.98 MB)

Using these materials, FHI has trained service providers in the detection and treatment of STIs. FHI is also establishing pilot STI clinics in Egypt. Clinics in Cairo and Alexandria opened in summer 2006.