Sitsandziwe Clinic to fight STIs scourge
MATSAPHA – A recent study conducted in Nhlangano found that a third of health facility patients had a lab-confirmed infection of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
The infections were prevalent in the Matsapha-Manzini areas.
Dr Luis Neira, the Head of Mission for the Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), shared this information at the launch of the Sitsandziwe Clinic in Matsapha. MSF is also commonly known as Doctors Without Borders. Neira alluded to that this data underscored the need for increased access to STI testing and treatment, and for increased education and awareness. The clinic is specifically designed to cater for the young, urban population in the area, ensuring that they have access to comprehensive sexual health services. The event was attended by the Ministry of Health (MoH), representatives of the World Health Organisation, as well as representatives of local and international organisations, and community members.
Neira stated that since 2007, MSF had been actively involved in addressing different health issues like HIV and TB, COVID-19 and chronic diseases, including their successful 15-year project in the Shiselweni Region.
“A recent MSF study in Nhlangano revealed that one out of every three health facility visitors has a lab-confirmed infection, placing a significant burden on the country’s health system. And, it is indeed one of the health priorities identified by the MoH. This challenge is pronounced in the Matsapha-Manzini area, home to a mobile population, including factory workers and university students,” he said.
Neira stated that the main objective of the project was to tackle the main sexual health issues affecting the communities of Matsapha, through the provision of services addressing the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic needs of the population, including the provision of medical care and sensitisation around sexual health, among the communities.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Khanya Mabuza, said Matsapha was at the centre of the Manzini/Mbabane business corridor, which meant the clinic would treat a lot of emaSwati and empower them to stay protected from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He also expressed his pleasure that the clinic continued to be a great partner to the ministry and the people of Eswatini.
“STIs remain a public health priority globally, regionally and here in Eswatini. As a ministry, we are mandated to prioritise STIs because of their strong correlation with other conditions, including HIV, infertility and reproductive cancers,” the PS said.
Mabuza reiterated that the ministry’s health information records indicated a significant number of STI cases among individuals in the reproductive age, especially in the populated urban areas. Mabuza stressed that measures and adequately treating such infections was necessary, considering the adverse effects of STIs on health and socio-economic aspects of individuals. The PS encouraged all parents and guardians to consent for their girl child between ages nine to 14 years to be vaccinated against HPV, as it was one effective way to prevent against the infections.
Meanwhile, he said condom use and PrEP methods were further emphasised and the ministry, together with its partners, were working around the clock to ensure their availability at all times.
“We are aware of the need to strengthen the STI programming and include surveillance of all such infections which will enable the treatment of cases and their contacts. There is a need to also improve on Data collection to give a comprehensive and distinctive picture of the STIs status in the country,” the PS added.
He mentioned that he had a task ahead to fully integrate STI services including viral hepatitis services into the bigger sexual reproductive health services, ART services and community health services for adolescents and young adults.
In addition, the PS stated that much progress had been made in terms of reviewing relevant standard treatment guidelines for the proper management of STIs, which was significant in guiding the proper use of antibiotics. He said health education, leading to behaviour change, continued to be a first line of defence.