There is a high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in South Africa, especially Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. Untreated STIs are associated with genital tract morbidity, pelvic inflammatory disease, and long-term complications such as tubal-factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, risk of HIV transmission and acquisition is increased without effective HIV PrEP and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART). Last, emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in N. gonorrhoeae, is a major global concern. We work with various national and international partners and donors in these projects.
Over the past years, FPD has established a STI research portfolio that is world-class and in line with South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2023-2028
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WHO Global Health Sector strategy for sexually transmitted infections 2022 – 2030 . The research team is valued among the key opinion leaders in this field and participates in various technical advisory groups and technical working groups of the World Health Organization, the National Department of Health, and other national and international clinical and professional bodies.
The FPD team in Buffalo City has established STI research facilities at five primary healthcare facilities (Duncan Village Day Hospital; Empilweni Gompo CHC; Grey Gateway clinic; Ndevana PHC and Nontyatyambo CHC). This includes well-trained clinical staff, point-of-care STI diagnostic test resources, ultrasound capacity and data collection and storage infrastructure. The facilities are supported by a local private laboratory for N. gonorrhoeae culture and syphilis serological testing, and the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Pretoria for in-depth microbiological evaluations of specimens including AMR detection and molecular epidemiological analysis. Vaginal microbiome work is done in collaboration with the Division of Medical Microbiology at the University of Cape Town