In an effort to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the Gauteng Department of Health is implementing a range of measures, including screening and case finding in areas such as men’s clinics, workplaces, campuses and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision sites, to deliver targeted prevention efforts to more men.
STIs are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact, affecting individuals of all ages.
Many STIs can be asymptomatic, which leads to undiagnosed cases that may result in severe health complications.
Untreated STIs can facilitate the transmission of HIV, lead to chronic pain, infertility and increased susceptibility to other infections.
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In the last five years, between 2020 and 2024, the department has noted an alarming increase in male urethritis syndrome cases, with the numbers increasing from 55 783 to over 80 000 cases reported.
These statistics highlight the urgency for public health interventions and community engagement programmes.
Speaking during a sitting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted that the department will continue to expand the reach of health services through community mobile clinics and outreach programmes in high transmission areas, implemented through Corner to Corner and Township, Informal settlements and Hostels (TISH) programmes, hotspots and institutions of higher learning.
Additionally, the rollout of the 1.1 million ART campaign forms part of the intervention programme.
This initiative aims to close the HIV treatment gap by getting 1.1 million people living with HIV but not on treatment onto antiretroviral therapy (ART) by the end of 2025.
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Furthermore, the department will strengthen community outreach programmes to intensify condom distribution to promote safe sex, as well as intensify targeted prevention interventions for populations at high risk, such as men who have sex with men.
Through the expanded coverage of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals at risk of contracting HIV, the department has successfully decreased new HIV infections, with the rate for HIV test-positive cases aged 15 years and older decreasing from 4.6% in 2020 to 1.3% in 2024.
“We will continue to utilise numerous platforms, including social media, community radio stations and provide health education during clinic visits, while participating in community-led programmes,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Community members are encouraged to take proactive steps toward their sexual health by ensuring that they regularly visit health care facilities for regular screening to help with early detection of STIs, leading to effective treatment and reduced transmission.
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