Increase in sexually transmitted infections is a cause for growing concern

Residents of Rwimiyaga in Nyagatare district are battling a rise in the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with 1,023 cases reported in a single month, according to local health authorities.

The increase in infections is attributed to several factors, including a lack of medical equipment and medicines, individual rather than couple treatments, and the long distances residents have to travel to reach health centers in Bugaragara and Matimba.

Gonorrhea and trichomoniasis are the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the region. Health authorities are particularly concerned about the high rate of infection among young people.

ALSO READ: Understanding the impact of STDs on women’s health

Jean Marie Vianney Gahamanyi, head of the health post in Rwimiyaga, said: The new times“Since May, I have admitted over 1,000 patients seeking treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), mainly gonorrhea in men and trichomoniasis in women. However, the fact that they do not come as couples increases the risk of transmission. Many remain untreated due to a lack of necessary equipment here. There is an urgent need for official support to prevent further spread of STIs in the community.”

Gahamanyi stressed the importance of educating the population on safe sexual practices to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. He urged couples to protect themselves, pointing out that unprotected sex not only leads to sexually transmitted diseases but also carries the risk of incurable HIV/AIDS infection.

At Rwimiyaga health centre, a 19-year-old resident who wished to remain anonymous sought treatment for trichomoniasis, expressing fear of telling her boyfriend about the infection.

“I didn’t tell him. It’s been four days since I started feeling itchy in my private parts. The doctor advised me to go to Bugaragara Health Centre and inform my boyfriend so he can get medicine, but I’m afraid to speak to him about it.” She left the health centre feeling overwhelmed, knowing that both her health and her relationship were at stake.

ALSO READ: Understanding sexually transmitted disease prevention, detection and safe practices

The journey to the health centres in Bugaragara or Matimba is long and prevents many residents from receiving timely treatment. Due to the long distance, many people with sexually transmitted diseases often experience delays in receiving medical care and treatment.

Jean Paul Ndengeyimana, a resident of Rwimiyaga Cell, said: “Many people here are infected, including my two friends, but treatment is difficult because the health center is far away and transportation is expensive. The cost is Rs 3,000, which some people cannot afford. I suggest equipping our health center with more medicines and staff. Currently, only two staff members are serving many patients.”

Juliet Mureketete, Deputy Mayor of Nyagatare District and responsible for social affairs, highlighted ongoing efforts to educate the population on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

“We work with physicians and partners to promote condom testing and distribution, and we run campaigns to raise awareness about HIV prevention. We encourage our residents to practice safe sex using condoms. We believe these efforts will help reduce new infections and STI cases.”

According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) HIV/AIDS Annual Report 2022-2023, treating STIs is critical in the fight against HIV and hepatitis B as they have similar modes of transmission. Rwanda has implemented systematic screening for all visitors to health facilities to address the unmet need for STI-related services, which is often hampered by cultural barriers and stigma.

WHO has adopted five syndromes for oral screening, physical examination, treatment and reporting. From July 2022 to June 2023, over four million people were tested for STIs, with 224,460 (5.3%) showing one or more STI signs or symptoms. Western Province recorded the highest number of people tested (1,151,305), while Kigali city had the lowest number (415,603) but the highest positivity rate (9.7%).

According to the WHO, over one million people become infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) every day, highlighting the need for better prevention and treatment measures.