Sexually Acquired Infections (SAIs) are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Several infections have been identified as acquired though sexual contact i.e. vaginal, anal and oral sex. In the past couple of decades there has been changes in sexual attitudes and behaviour thus contributing in an increase in cases of both HIV and SAIs in the world. An estimate of 448 million new cases of curable SAIs (syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Trichomoniasis) has been issued by the WHO in 2005 in adults aged 15-49 years. These numbers do not include HIV and other SAIs (such as anogenital warts, anogenital herpes, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and viral Hepatitis) which continue to affect negatively the lives of individuals and society at large. In developing countries, SAIs and their complications rank in the top five disease categories for which adults seek health care.
For further information you can also consult the below pages:
http://www.avert.org/std.htm
http://www.avert.org/std-statistics.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9leO28ydyfU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5LGqi-8eZg&feature=related
The link below provided information on a range of HIV issues.
http://www.aidsmap.com/factsheets
SAI role in HIV transmission
It is now well known that the presence of other SAIs facilitate the transmission of HIV.
Treatment for SAI has a role in HIV prevention as documented in a WHO/UNAIDS consultation (2006) – for more information refer to this web link.