Maharashtra Faces 33% Surge in STI Cases: Lack of Preventive Measures Blamed

In the 2022-23 period, Maharashtra has witnessed a 33% increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reaching a total of 1 lakh diagnoses compared to 75,713 in the previous year. This spike, as reported by the Maharashtra State Aids Control Society (MSACS), is significantly higher than the 76,038 cases recorded in 2020-21.

Activists are pointing to the unavailability of free condoms and testing kits in the state program for over seven months as a major contributing factor. The absence of these preventive measures has been identified as a potential catalyst for the surge.

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According to an MSACS official, individuals with STIs are five to ten times more likely to contract and spread HIV. However, the official also acknowledged that the post-pandemic normalisation of testing services might have played a role in the increased cases.

It is worth noting that prior to the pandemic, the state had reported 1.1 lakh cases in 2020-21 and 1 lakh cases in 2018-19. The recent surge underscores the pressing need for accessible preventive measures and increased awareness to curb the rising prevalence of STIs in Maharashtra.