[Control of sexually transmitted diseases in Senegal]

STD are an important public health problem in numerous developing countries. Although satisfactory diagnostic and therapeutic means are available, the incidence of STD is increasing. Among the causes for this are sociological factors, like the weakening of customs and the family unit, and the development of tourism, which stimulates prostitution. There is a marked ignorance of the population in respect to STD. The Senegalese Government, WHO, and the Geneva-based Sandoz Institute launched in 1976 a joint programme of service, training and sesearch. The research aims at developing a preventive approach, especially through health education. While the three centers set up have accomplished good work locally, results are still disappointing from a public health point of view. Weak spots are in particular: - inadequacy of the social and contact-tracing services; -lack of action at the periphery and of integration with primary health care; -lack of coordination with other sectors (including police), and with professionals of various disciplines who should contribute to the socio-economic investigation of the problem. Several groups have recently been created in Senegal to support the project. An evaluation will soon be carried out. Such programmes should be implemented in other countries of the region.