[Testing services for sexually transmitted infections in Japan, public funding for HIV testing compared to public funding for other STI testing]

Abstract

HIV and other STIs testing services of public funded setting have not been integrated in Japan. Public health centers and other public funded testing sites provide free anonymous HIV test. This has been playing an important role to confirm almost half of asymptomatic patients. Early diagnosis is an essential intervention for personal health, and critical for preventative strategies of public health. However, the role of public health centers and other public funded testing sites are very limited for other STIs. The symptomatic patients visit private clinic/hospital for diagnosis and treatment, but it is difficult for asymptomatic person to visit such medical facilities. The prevalence of genital chlamydia in young women in Japan remains very high compared to other developed countries. So, I think public funding of testing for genital chlamydia and other asymptomatic STIs should be expanded and integrated with HIV testing programs in Japan. Recently, there is the problem of the shortage of OB/GY doctors and clinics. This might influence the accessibilities of STIs testing and treatment opportunities for women. This is a new problem of STI testing in Japan.