Boutin J P, Lemardeley P, Gateff C
Médecin des Armées, hôpitaux des Armées (santé publique), I.M.T.S.S.A.
Med Trop (Mars). 1987 Jul-Sep;47(3):307-20.
The ambition of Community Health Services in the fight against Sexual Transmitted Diseases (S.T.D.) in developing countries is to enable the exposed population to benefit by cheap but also most efficient preventive and curative measures. This paper mentions and illustrates by examples the different stages of this approach. The planification of the program fixes objectives for the target groups and the diseases in terms of efficiency and efficacy. To achieve these objectives, adaptable strategies must be chosen. The strategies of primary prevention (prophylaxis and education) and secondary prevention (screening and treatment) are examined as well as the principles which govern their choice. In addition, epidemiological surveillance and different criteria used during periodical evaluation of the program have to be planned. Arguments presenting the efficacy and the cost benefit of a program are the most able to convince some partners to finance a program against S.T.D.
