31.6   STIs and HIV

Remember that you have learned that HIV is sexually transmitted in Study Session 20. HIV infection is therefore a STI but due to its high priority as a general health concern it has been dealt with separately in this module. In this section you will learn about the relationship between HIV and other STIs. It is important that you remember that HIV is transmitted in the same ways as any other STIs. There are strong links between having an STI and becoming HIV-positive. STIs increase the risk of HIV transmission and HIV infection may make people more susceptible to other STIs and even make other STIs more difficult to treat. These observations make it even more urgent to prevent and control STIs.