Framework for monitoring sexually transmitted infections and strengthening surveillance

Book excerpt: This publication has been developed to provide a national framework for monitoring the health sector’s response to sexually transmitted infections and a set of core indicators to: -support countries monitor their programming for sexually transmitted infections and to identify gaps and challenges; and -facilitate regional and global tracking of the progress of WHO Member States in strengthening STI programming towards achieving the targets outlined in the global health sector strategies on, respectively, HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. The core indicators are structured around currently available STI interventions and data that are routinely collected or can be monitored at least annually. The indicators are aligned with global reporting requirements and to the targets detailed in the global health sector strategies. Collecting and analysing these data will provide a comprehensive picture of the health burden of STIs and will inform how best to allocate resources to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of STI services. The publication also outlines a stepwise approach to strengthen the monitoring of STI programmes and STI surveillance.