Experience of Joint Work Between a Dermatovenereological Institution and a Non-Governmental Organization in Detecting and Treating STIs among Vulnerable Population Groups

Abstract

The article describes joint work by the Luhansk Regional Dermatovenereological Dispensary and the charitable foundation “Krok v maibutnie” to detect and treat sexually transmitted infections among vulnerable population groups, primarily injecting drug users. The approach included mobile-clinic visits to syringe-exchange sites, dermatovenereological counselling, rapid testing for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, and anonymous in-depth examination and treatment at the dispensary. Results from 2009 are presented, including observations on the diagnostic performance of rapid tests. The authors emphasize the need to regulate mobile-clinic activities and establish an algorithm for managing STI cases.