When Lagos Was Ranked The Highest Carrier Of Gonorrhea Worldwide
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The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Nigeria
STDs are diseases that are caused by parasites, viruses and or bacteria spread by having unprotected sex; vaginal, anal and or oral. Although doctors and medical health workers keep warning us against STIs and how to prevent ourselves from contracting them, there are parts of the world where STDs are still prevalent. Results released by the government of Nigeria indicate a national prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria of 1.4% among people ages 15-49 years. Previous estimates had recorded a national HIV prevalence of 2.8%. National Agency for the Control of AIDS and UNAIDS estimate that 1.9 million people are living with HIV in Nigeria. Here are the most common STDs in Nigeria:
Syphilis
This is a common STD in Nigeria. Many people who got infected with the STD are asymptomatic. Therefore it is easy for the infection to keep spreading as the rates keep spreading. According to a 1989 study, 1.5% of pregnant women tested positive for Syphilis. It is a highly dangerous STD as it can be easily transmitted to the baby in the womb leading to horrifying experiences which include premature death.
Gonorrhea
In 1963, Lagos was found to be the highest carrier of gonorrhoea in the world. Although there’s a continuous decline in most countries worldwide, the gonorrhoea rates in the country are still dangerously high. Gonorrhoea is considered the most common STD in the country. Recent surveys show that the prevalence of the STD is considered to be 28.1 %.
Chlamydia
This is a common STD affecting 9.6% of the population. The prevalence of Chlamydia affects 51% of the people both men and women living in the country. It is difficult to treat and detect the disease because it lacks symptoms at its early stages. This also increases its risk of spread by those who are unaware of its existence or the health risks it poses.
In conclusion, Nigeria is one of the countries in Africa with high rates of STDs. People therein are not spared of any STD but some STDs like Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and Syphilis are prevalent. That being the case, it is important to spread the word about getting tested and protected and getting treated for STDs.
