Dr. Sindi chats about STIs and condom use on Channel Africa Radio

20 February 2012

An interview with Anova doctor Sindi van Zyl, featured on the Africa Midday show on Channel Africa Radio on Thursday (16 February 2012), saw the HIV-expert addressing the problems and the progress in South Africa’s response to STIs.

In a show marking STI and Condom Week, Sindi cited patients’ fear of stigma as the main obstacle standing in the way of early and effective treatment of STIs.

The HIV-specialist also said that a lack of awareness of the more ‘silent’ STIs, which do not have obvious symptoms, was also a factor; “Chlamydia and other STIs that don’t have conspicuous symptoms are part of the reason why people might present late for treatment”.
But according to van Zyl these STIs are no less of a threat, causing long-term problems like infertility if left untreated.

On the topic of prevention, it seems that South Africa was doing well but should strive to continue to drive the message of consistent condom use home, especially to the younger generation, “Inconsistent use is the main reason why HIV and other STIs are still a problem, but it's hard to address. People know about condoms but they still don’t use them every time they have sex”.