In Nigeria, there has been a rise in deaths as a result of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Reports have it that more people are contracting these diseases and it is becoming alarming in the Northern area of the country. This article is to inform the masses about the most severe STDS in Nigeria and its symptoms. STDs, which are venereal diseases, can be transmitted from a host to another through sexual intercourse or activities, this includes but not limited to; vaginal penetration, anal and mouth action.
The rate of sexually transmitted disease and rapes especially of the underage (child rape) has become a major public health challenge in Nigeria The high rate of prostitution and the glorification of commercial sex activities and schemes in higher institutions of learning has also exacerbated the level of sexually transmitted disease in the country.
Teenagers are not also left out as their tendencies to explore new things and prove to their parents and peers that they have come of age has landed many in hospitals for all the wrong reasons.
As sex divert more teenagers from class rooms to maternity wards, unfaithful husbands and promiscuous wives have also brought home diseases from one night stands/ accidental quickies and destroyed their families.
At public health Nigeria, we have provided the list of the top 5 sexually transmitted diseases based on published studies and how to avoid them.’
1. GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Nigeria.
In fact, in 1963, WHO found Lagos to have the highest gonorrhea rate in the world? Recent surveys report gonorrhea prevalence to be as high as 28.1%. Some studies show a clear association between gonorrhea and male / female infertility. Penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhea prevalence varies from 44.4% in Zaria to 80% in Ibadan. There are major several complications that arises in the event that a gonorrhea remains untreated, this could be related to the body tissues, reproductive capacity and deformities in new born.
2. HIV/AIDS
According to UNAIDS, The number of people living with HIV in Nigeria is between 2, 600 000 – 4, 500 000 more than double the population of some states.
The prevalence rate of the disease among Adults aged 15 to 49 is 3.1%. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that has no cure currently. Rivers, Taraba and Kaduna are the top three states with the highest level of HIVAIDS infection in Nigeria while Ekiti, Zamfara and Bauchi has the lowest rates.
Globally more than 33 million people are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS has complicated the lives of millions in Nigeria, before the advent of free antiretroviral drugs many perished. In addition, due to the high rate of stigma many infected individuals are not taking advantage of the free anti-retroviral drugs and screening programs available. While many others who are infected, unknowingly infect their loved ones because they do not know they carry the virus.
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