Cape Town: The city earmarks ‘No Love for STIs’ this month. As February is the month of love, but it is also the month to focus on Sexual Reproductive Health and Healthy Lifestyles. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs as commonly known) remains a global health challenge even though most of the infections can be cured.
To be aware of STIs is very important, as it do concern your internal physical health. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus and syphilis. The major signs and symptoms of STIs include abnormal discharge, itching, sores, pain during urination or unusual bleeding. It is important to get tested if you experience any of these symptoms.
Sometimes, it happens that STIs are present but there are no symptoms visible, however, the transmission can still occur. As per the records, City Health diagnosed and treated over 25,000 cases of STIs in 2024.
Apart from the personal health impacts such as chronic pain, infertility and the increased risk of HIV, undiagnosed STIs that can also put others at risk. Congenital Syphilis (CS) is a particular concern, which is transmitted during pregnancy, resulting in stillbirths, preterm or low birthweight deliveries and associated complications as well as early neonatal deaths.
Earlier, in 2023, there were 1,739 clinical notifications of Congenital Syphilis countrywide. The majority of notifications were in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that sexually transmitted infections are preventable and treatable.
Annually, an education and awareness drive to highlight the importance of condom usage and to raise awareness around the signs and symptoms of STIs, as well as prevention and treatment is conducted.
Higham enlightened all that the City of Cape Town clinics can help, but the clients need to speak up about their specific needs, to be willing to get tested and start treatment as needed.
Higham said further that the National guidelines recommend the testing for syphilis at least four times during the pregnancy.
“So I want to encourage moms to please make full use of our basic antenatal care service by registering at their nearest clinic as soon as you can find out you are expecting, not only for your own wellbeing, but also that of your unborn child,” expressed Councillor Higham.
Francine Higham added further to her statement that testing should not be left to women alone. She feels desire to encourage their partners to step up too for testing and treatment, if necessary. Also is anyone is concerned about STIs, they should use protection. Condoms are freely available at the city clinics.
Councillor Francine Higham has taken quick steps, as she is the newly appointed MMC. Considering the STI health services,
there are some city clinics that offer the services:
- Male and Female Condoms: These reduce both the transmission of HIV and other STIs and prevent unintended pregnancy.
- Information leaflets and pamphlets related to STIs.
- Integrated STI/HIV services that are available at all service points.
- Screening, testing and treatment of STIs.
- Screening, testing and treatment for pregnant women for syphilis.