VD education in developing countries. A comparison with developed countries

Abstract

No new method of control of the sexually transmitted diseases is imminent. Reliance has to be placed on existing methods including health education. Health education has a double role, being a primary method in its own right, and--of equal or greater importance--being involved in the enforcement of all of the other tried methods. A comparison is made of the situation in countries with a developed or an underdeveloped venereal disease control service, in respect of organization, statistical reporting, the various agencies treating venereal disease, clinic and diagnostic facilities, personnel concerned in venereal disease management, and other aspects. The vicious circle inherent in developing countries is outlined. A lack of awareness of the extent of the problem and the presence of other serious competing diseases lead to a low budget, thence to poor diagnostic and treatment facilities, and to few cases being seen in the official clinics and hospitals. Thus relatively small numbers of cases are reported and there is consequently a continuing lack of awareness of the problem. A method of cutting through such a circle is suggested, and the importance of health education activities during this period is emphasized.

PIP: No new method of control of sexually transmitted diseases is imminent. Reliance must be placed on existing methods including health education. Health education has a double role, being a primary method in its own right and being involved in the enforcement of all other tried methods. A comparison is made of the situation in countries with a developed or underdeveloped venereal disease control service, with respect to organization, statistical reporting, various agencies treating venereal disease, clinic and diagnostic facilities, personnel involved in venereal disease management, and other aspects. The vicious circle inherent in developing countries is outlined. A lack of awareness of the extent of the problem and the presence of other serious competing diseases lead to a low budget, thus to poor diagnostic and treatment facilities, and to a few cases being seen in the official clinics and hospitals. Thus, relatively small numbers of cases are reported and there is consequently, a continuing lack of awareness of the problem. There is emphasis placed on the importance of health education activities during this period, and a method of cutting through such a vicious cycle is suggested. There is a worldwide need for better training of physicians, paramedical workers, and nurses in the management of venereal disease, including case finding and health education. In a great many developing and developed countries, the bulk of such management is conducted by general practitioners and it is logical that they should be involved more closely in the program by providing them with assistance in diagnosis, contact tracing, and postgraduate education. As pharmacists are legally or unofficially involved in many areas with few facilities, it may be questioned how their contribution may be more effective pending the development of more extensive official programs.