HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), hence the general consensus is that sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) can be a panacea to achieving zero incidence of HIV cases. To a certain degree, it is a compelling notion, but ending HIV takes more than just SRHR. Interestingly though, the HIV crisis seems to have stimulated...
Cultural and social factors for performing female genital mutilation (FGM) The reasons why female genital mutilations are performed vary from one region to another. It include a mix of sociocultural factors within families and communities. The most commonly cited reasons are: Where FGM is a social convention (social norm), the social pressure to...
What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice has no health benefits for girls and women Who is at risk? FGM is mostly carried out on young girls sometime between...
Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Accurate diagnostic tests for STIs are widely used in high-income countries. These are especially useful for the diagnosis of asymptomatic infections. However, in low- and middle-income countries, diagnostic tests are largely unavailable. Where testing is available, it is often expensive and geographically inaccessible; and patients often need to wait...
Scope of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) STIs have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. More than 1 million STIs are acquired every day In 2016, WHO estimated 376 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: chlamydia (127 million), gonorrhoea (87 million), syphilis (6.3 million) and trichomoniasis (156 million) More than 500...
Improving Maternal Health no • Most maternal deaths are preventable, as the health-care solutions to prevent or manage complications are well known. • All women need access to high quality care in pregnancy, and during and after childbirth. • It is particularly important that all births are attended by skilled health professionals • Timely...
Adolescent pregnancy and challenges Adolescent pregnancies are a global problem occurring in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. However, adolescent pregnancies are more likely to occur in marginalized communities, commonly driven by poverty and lack of education and employment opportunities In many societies, girls are under pressure to marry and bear children early. In least...
What you should know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) More than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact. Eight of these pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of sexually transmitted disease. Of these 8 infections, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other...
Cultural and social factors for performing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) The reasons why female genital mutilations are performed vary from one region to another as well as over time, and include a mix of sociocultural factors within families and communities. The most commonly cited reasons are: • Where FGM is a social convention (social norm),...
The Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) has appealed to government to allocate more funds towards adolescent health issues in the country. The ARHR also asked government to develop health policies and programmes centred on adolescents for long term impact, especially at deprived areas. Ms Rhema Andah, a Project Officer of ARHR, in a statement...
