National Guidelines on Case Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections

The guidelines aim to provide a comprehensive framework for the case management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Nepal. The significance of STIs is highlighted in the guidelines, with a focus on the public health importance of STIs, prevention methods, and the need for effective case management. The objectives of the STI case management guidelines include providing a standardized approach to STI diagnosis, treatment, and management, as well as promoting prevention and control measures. The guidelines emphasize the importance of interaction between patients and healthcare providers, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, client education and counseling, partner notification, clinical follow-up, and official reporting of cases. The use of flow charts is also recommended to facilitate the case management process. The guidelines provide detailed information on STI syndromes and management, including urethral discharge syndrome, scrotal swelling syndrome, vaginal discharge syndrome, lower abdominal pain syndrome, neonatal conjunctivitis syndrome, genital ulcer disease syndrome, and inguinal bubo syndrome. The guidelines also cover common sexually transmitted infections, including bacterial, protozoa, viral, and parasitic infections. In addition, the guidelines address STIs in specific groups, including individuals with HIV, pregnant women, family planning clients, men who have sex with men (MSM), women who have sex with women (WSW), men who have sex with women (MSW), and third genders (TGs). The guidelines also provide information on screening and treatment of asymptomatic infections for key affected populations at risk, STIs in young adults, children, correctional facilities, and individuals who have experienced sexual assault. The guidelines emphasize the importance of venereophobia, safer sexual behavior, condom promotion, proper care of condoms, female condoms, infection control, quality assurance of laboratory investigations, disposal of contaminated waste, recording, reporting, and surveillance. The guidelines also provide annexes, including requirements for public or private facilities providing STI services, management of anaphylaxis, STI monthly register, STI monthly reporting form, and review committees for the national guidelines for case management of STI patients. The guidelines are intended to provide a comprehensive framework for the case management of STIs in Nepal, with a focus on promoting prevention and control measures, effective diagnosis and treatment, and quality assurance of laboratory investigations.