KARACHI, April 3: Despite high incidence rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in local population, people are yet to realize gravity of situation. The STIs increase people’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, but they do not usually opt for medical intervention or take precautionary measures.
This was observed by health care providers and community workers while speaking at a seminar here on Thursday.
They acknowledged that women and children, though not often at fault, suffered a lot and could not receive medical treatment promptly.
Keeping in view the stigma attached and general reluctance, the speakers unanimously opined syndromic management of STI as the best possible option for local people who, as generally observed, appeared reluctant even to acknowledge their sufferings, take precautionary measures or consult some qualified professional for treatment at an early stage and prevent the disease from spreading.
Dr Sharaf Ali Shah, Manager of the Sindh AIDS Control Programme, maintained that syndromic management or pre-packaged treatment component, could not be considered an ideal mode of intervention. But, he stressed, it was most effective in countries having meagre resources and indifferent masses.
Referring to a six-year data, he said that at 42 clinics managed by Sindh AIDS Control Programme, some 40,000 individuals turned up with varied degrees and kinds of STIs. Urethral discharge was one of the common problems in the patients.
He reminded that a large number of sufferers, owing to their personal inhibitions were reluctant to seek any assistance at initial stages and it was only when suffering tended to be unbearable that they were compelled to visit doctors.
The fact that a significant majority prefers to go to quacks cannot also be ignored, can be attributed to the publicity and communication skills of quacks.
Dr Shah suggested that syndromic package, which was pre-packed therapeutic package were designed especially for a country like Pakistan where treatment facilities for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) also appeared insignificant.
“Unfortunately, we even lack quality diagnostic facilities even in public sector institutions in a city like Karachi while those provided in a few private institutions are beyond the common man’s means. Moreover, those coming with STD or STI complaints need immediate treatment and, hence, again have to give due consideration to syndromic management.”
This again, he said, was important as though Pakistan at the moment, might not be registering a high incidence rate of HIV and AIDS cases but was categorized among high-risk group of countries. Since global village is fast shrinking, there is an urgent need to address the scenario and help people, he added.
With regard to the registered cases of AIDS in Pakistan, he said that 2000 confirmed cases had been identified from 1986 till the end of 2002 whereas estimates put the number at 50,000-70,000.
Referring to the wide range of studies, Dr Shah said that fortunately, high-risk groups — sex workers, truckers, eunuchs, intravenous drug users, etc. — still did not report HIV positive (during studies conducted by Sindh AIDS Control Programme), and thus it was time to ensure maximum awareness on preventive measures. Otherwise, he warned, any breakout of AIDS in high-risk segments would immediately affect general public.
The seminar was also addressed by Dr Aalia Ahmed and Dr Adnan A. Khan who discussed different types of STIs and recommended medication. They urged patients to avoid physical promiscuity and also pay due attention to contraceptives.
Dr Rehana Ahmed expressed her concern about general indifference over the issue and said efforts were being made to establish a training centre where health care providers, including doctors. LHVs, LHWs, would be imparted training to encourage people in discussing their condition and seek necessary support without any delay.
Dr Tariq and Dr Qayyum also spoke on the occasion.—APP
