A new report has pointed to a modest increase in the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including vaginal and male urethral discharge in urban centers and near borders.
The study by Rwanda Biomedical Center, screened patients with STIs at all health facilities in Rwanda, showing an increase from 139,357 to 202, 209 estimated at 45 per cent from 2014 to 2020.
Within that period, the number of patients screened for STI syndromes in Rwanda varied between 4.9 M and 6.7 M.
Kigali city had the highest prevalence for the whole six years ranging from 3.46 per cent in 2014 to 2015 to 8.23 per cent from 2019 to 2020.
Southern Province had the lowest prevalence with variation from 1.59 per cent between 2015 and 2016, and 2.25 per cent Between 2018 and 2019, however between 2019 and 2020 Northern Province had the lowest prevalence at 2.88 per cent.
The report shows 119,716 vaginal discharge cases, 1,413 inguinal bubo cases, 3,665 cases of painful swelling of epididymis, 18,156 genital ulcer cases and testis, and 57,851 cases of urethral discharge.
The study observed that the highest prevalence of all STIs was in urban areas and near borders, and private clinics reported more cases, suggesting the need to improve awareness in these settings and increase confidentiality and trust in public health clinics.
From 2014 to 2020, the number of patients screened for STI syndromes in Rwanda varied between 4.9 M and 6.7 M.
