Sexually transmitted infections in Turkey

Turkey is a Moslem country where lay knowledge regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is poor. Surveillance arrangements are limited, and frequently ignored, with the result that the true incidence of STIs is unknown. The prevalence of syphilis is definitely increasing, and probably that of the other infections is too. Modern diagnostic techniques are not widely deployed and there is little standardization of medical arrangements. However, there has been a high level of governmental involvement in HIV prevention in recent years and it is now believed that most HIV transmission in Turkey is by the heterosexual route.