Africa-Press – Mauritius. The development of a National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Mauritius is the focus of a two-day workshop being held at Ravenala Attitude Hotel, Balaclava.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal proceeded, today, with the opening of the workshop. Several themes are being discussed, namely: Rationale and STI burden; updates, challenges and opportunities; and existing framework, Action Plan and policies.
A brainstorming session is scheduled where participants will make proposals and recommendations on the way forward. The participants are health professionals as well as relevant stakeholders from the Prison Services, the National Aids Secretariat and NGOs.
In his address, Minister Jagutpal underlined the need to come up with a new targeted approach as regards STIs for the health and wellness of citizens.
He indicated that globally, STIs have been on the rise since the past years adding that some 374 million new cases are detected each year around the world.
As per statistics, Mauritius has registered 567 new cases of STIs in 2019 and 481 in 2020, he added. The Health Minister further stressed the need to re-think the strategy and actions pertaining to STIs.
He stated that the workshop will allow participants to work together and elaborate a first draft of a National Action Plan on Prevention and Control for STIs in Mauritius. He expressed conviction that their insight and experiences will enable the Government to improve the existing services.
Speaking about the services available for those suffering from STIs, Dr Jagutpal underlined that STI services are now available in all five Regional Hospitals across the country.
Testing capacities for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis have been increased since last year and routine testing for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics is being carried out, he said.
STIs According to the National Health Statistics Report, a significant rise in new cases of syphilis and gonorrhea was registered from 2016 to 2019. Increases were more pronounced among the 20 to 29 age group, antenatal clinic attendees and key populations, namely people who inject drugs, transgenders and female sex workers.
In this context, Minister Jagutpal, during a meeting held on 23 September 2021, proposed the elaboration of an Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of STIs in Mauritius to address this national public health concern.
A working team was constituted and a coordinator appointed to work on the project. Subsequently, a follow-up meeting was chaired by Minister Jagutpal on 12 October 2021, where it was agreed to hold a two-day workshop.
The elaboration of the National Action Plan on Control and Prevention of STIs in Mauritius will be guided by a comprehensive multi-sectoral strategy approach including a wide range of stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, other relevant Ministries, private practitioners and NGOs.
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