At least 75% of Nairobians tests positive for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia for over 10 samples presented to a clinic in Nairobi every day.

Our reporter Elizabeth Atieno visited the clinic which has since launched a Rapid Kit PCR Test machine that has the capacity to concurrently conduct 12 tests within an hour thereby enhancing prompt screening and diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s).

In what paints a grim picture of the health situation in the city Elizabeth found out that every time the Aids Healthcare Foundation Clinic in Mathare tests approximately 20 samples for STIs, 15 samples return positive for the three STDs.

Some of the most common symptoms of STIs include; sores in genital area, pain during urination or sex and genital discharge. But according to Joash Mboya, a clinical officer at the facility, health experts have raised alarm over the high number of STI patients in Nairobi who do not present any symptoms, thereby posing a serious health risk and possible surge in transmissions.

Antony Kiplagat, the head of STIs Programme in Nairobi, is now urging Kenyans to avoid having multiple sexual partners, and always practise protected sexual intercourse.

Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) says that one million people in the world are infected with at least one type of STIs everyday. In 2022, 8 million adults aged between 15-49 were reported to have contracted syphillis, with 230,000 syphillis-related deaths reported in the same year.

DR Samuel Kinyanjui, the country director of the Aids Healthcare Foundation Clinic, says the PCR testing machine is a silver bullet in terms of screening, diagnosis and treatment, as it can perform 12 STI tests at a go within one hour. This, Dr Kinyanjui says, makes it easier to identify drug resistant STIs and administer the right medication in a prompt manner.

Health stakeholders have raised concerns over limited data on STIs in Kenya, this despite STIs posing a serious risk for HIV transmissio as well as infertility.