Researchers have discovered a new strain of antibiotic-resistant Gonorrhea in Nairobi and are urging the government to reassess treatment plans.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), involved more than 350 sex workers from one clinic in Nairobi.
Findings showed that the majority of participants admitted to engaging in unprotected sexual activity with their partners and clients, driven in part by financial incentives.
The study’s authors attribute the spread of the disease to misinformation among sex workers, many of whom believe that taking a daily HIV prevention pill will also protect them from other sexually transmitted infections and therefore do not consistently use protections.
Given the widespread nature of the issue, the researchers are calling on the Kenyan government to re-evaluate its current treatment policy and to advocate for increased testing in order to determine the full extent of the problem.
Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases globally, with over 80 million cases reported annually.
Download our new annual edition of the ‘Commonwealth Health report 2022’ for free.
