Preventable, curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to compromise the health of people around the world. If left untreated, STIs can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and congenital infections. Furthermore, evidence shows that the presence of an STI, especially ulcerative STI, can facilitate HIV transmission. Seeking STI treatment can help slow HIV transmission rates while improving overall public health.

Due to high cost of treatment, limited availability of trained clinical staff, perceptions of low quality health care services, and stigma often associated with visiting an STI clinic, accessing appropriate and effective treatment of STIs is limited in many developing countries. For those who do receive treatment at an STI clinic, the price of the medication is often prohibitive. Many people do not inform their partners of infection, potentially leading to a cycle of re-infection. Finally, many people do not complete the full course of antibiotics or self-treat with incorrect medications which can lead to drug resistance and result in health complications.

PSI uses social marketing to promote pre-packaged therapy (PPT), a package of standard medication which can effectively treat an STI. Marketing this product is an effective way to reach those who are not receiving appropriate treatment. PPT kit content differs based on the needs of the countries in which they are sold; however, they typically include adequate and appropriate medication, condoms, partner referral cards, and information on the STI itself. STI kits provide all treatment essentials in one package, improving adherence to full and proper treatment, prevention and partner referral.

Globally, PSI was one of the first international NGOs to implement targeted STI PPT distribution projects, with projects in Cameroon and Uganda launched in the late 1990s. They evaluation results of these pilot projects are found below.

• Report: Sexually Transmitted Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Use and Effectiveness of Treatment Kits
  PDF 947K

Since the report, PSI has launched several STI treatment kits including Clear7, GeniCure, Cura7, ISTOP, Cure-U, and ACT-1 throughout many of PSI’s program countries including the Dominican Republic, Benin, Togo, Uganda, Madagascar, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Nepal. Today, PSI continues to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in STI treatment and prevention.

• Back

A client and provider discuss options for STI treatment.

GeniCure, a pre-packaged antibiotic treatment for syphilis and chancroid is marketed in Madagascar.

Cura-7 is a pre-packaged treatment specifically for gonorrhea and chlamydia also marketed in Madagascar.