Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), HIV

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that spread from person to person through sexual activity, including anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other microorganisms, and can affect both men and women of all ages. Most common STIs are Chlamydia Gonorrhea, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Herpes Simplex Virus and HIV.

STIs have negative implications for both individuals and society as a whole due to their impact on health, relationships, and public health. Although STIs can be easily avoided with safe sex behavior, stigma around STIs prevents efficient eradications of STIs. Stigma refers to the social, cultural, and psychological attitudes and beliefs that lead to discrimination, shaming, and ostracization of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics or behaviors. Thus people avoid testing for STIs, especially HIV and as a consequence infect the disease further.

Reducing STI-related stigma is an ongoing process that involves changing societal attitudes and fostering an environment of compassion and understanding. It’s important to work towards creating a world where people can openly discuss their sexual health without fear of judgment or discrimination. Addressing stigma requires efforts at multiple levels. Providing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and accurate information about STIs, how they are transmitted, and their prevalence can help lessen misconceptions and fear. It is vital to use inclusive and non-stigmatizing language, when providing CSE in order to promote respectful conversations.

The utmost importance lies in ensuring that sexual health services are accessible to everyone, including youth and vulnerable groups and those who are not in a marriage or in union. Condoms are one of the most effective barriers against STI transmission. Condoms must be available at the affordable price encourages consistent use and reduces the risk of infections. When implementing Family Planning Programs special attention needs to be taken to young people and vulnerable populations as they may have limited financial resources and may engage in risky behaviors due to lack of access. Affordable contraceptives address these disparities.

HIV is the most fatal STI and remains a major public health challenge. Since the first HIV infection was found, 40.4 million people have died on AIDS. In 2022 39.0 million people globally were living with HIV according to UNAIDS. 1.3 million people became newly infected with HIV in 2022 and 630000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Despite the positive development, HIV affects the lives of millions of people, especially the most vulnerable groups. Access to health care – prevention, testing and treatment, is unequally distributed. Attitudes, legislation, inadequate health services, sexual and gender-based violence, lack of education and financial challenges make access to treatment more difficult and undermine people’s sexual rights.

Read more: 

IPPF on STIs

2023 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update

Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet (UNAIDS 2023)

Global Fund Result Report 2022