Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant global health concern. In Nigeria, the high prevalence of STIs, including HIV, demands a more coordinated approach to reduce their burden. 

STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, affect millions worldwide. Every year, there are an estimated 357 million new infections globally.¹ Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, bears a disproportionate share of this burden. 

The significant socioeconomic consequences of STIs emphasise their public health importance in Nigeria. Untreated STIs can lead to severe health issues. Herpes and syphilis can significantly increase the risk of acquiring HIV, while gonorrhoea and chlamydia are major contributors to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility in women.¹ They can also result in absenteeism from work and psychological distress. Social stigmatisation is another consequence of STIs that impacts the availability of data on the incidence of STIs in Nigeria, which is also limited due to inadequate diagnostic facilities and underreporting.¹

Young adults are particularly at risk of STIs, due to the prevalence of factors like multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use. One study¹ revealed that misconceptions about STI prevention are prevalent among young Nigerians; for instance, about 36% believed contraceptives could prevent STIs, while 25% thought taking drugs before sex would be protective.

Addressing these issues requires comprehensive age-appropriate sex education for adolescents to dispel myths and promote healthy behaviours.² Interventions should include counselling on the importance of regular sexual health screening, behavioural change communication, and condom promotion. In patriarchal African societies with specific cultural norms, ensuring women's economic empowerment and education can allow them greater autonomy in making safe sex decisions, including when and with whom to engage in sexual activities.¹

Culturally sensitive community programs are essential to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding STIs, while government and non-governmental organisations must collaborate to provide free or subsidised screenings. One study¹ indicated that about three-quarters of those who tested positive for an STI in Nigeria sought treatment from pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, or herbal healers, highlighting the need for improved access to reproductive health services. Additionally, an improved healthcare infrastructure with youth-friendly, trained healthcare workers to be more can encourage young people to seek professional medical advice rather than self-medicating or visiting unqualified practitioners, who are likely to misidentify the causative agent of the infection and create a drug-resistant strain of that STI.¹

Prioritizing sexual health screening in Nigeria is vital to curb the spread of STIs and prevent complications like infertility. At Debbo Africa, we provide a range of sexual health screening services and believe that enhancing education, healthcare access, and sociocultural support, will contribute significantly to the improvement of sexual and reproductive health outcomes of vulnerable populations across the continent. Implementing these measures will protect the health and well-being of individuals and contribute to broader socio-economic development.

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