A study of health facilities: implications for reproductive health and HIV/AIDS programs in southern Sudan

In October 2001, a pilot project to design strategies to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission and improve related reproductive health practices was initiated in southern Sudan. A health facility assessment was conducted in order to determine the type and scope of care given to clients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It was found that many health care practitioners did not have basic training in STI diagnosis and management, and no practitioner had training in the syndromic approach. Standardized drug kits received by public facilities did not provide enough STI drugs to serve the population. Private drug stores were the only facilities where condoms were available, though condoms were not sold to women who came to purchase them without their husbands. An adequately functioning health system will be difficult to achieve without ongoing training and supervision, adequate supplies and equipment, and proper rebuilding of infrastructure and systems, such as roads, communication, and education.