Sexually-transmitted diseases in Singapore--trends in the last two decades

We review the epidemiology and trends of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Singapore from 1977 to 1996. There has been a progressive decline in the incidence of bacterial STDs over the period of observation. However, viral STDs have not shown the same trends, remaining at a relatively constant level. Early detection and treatment of STDs, and health education and prevention measures targeting sex workers have been a major factor in controlling STDs. Vigilant monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has allowed timely changes to recommended treatment regimens. The advent of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection pandemic in the 1980s and public education campaigns have contributed to the success of the STDs control programme. In view of the incurable nature of many viral STDs, prevention and counselling have become a cornerstone of STD control. Surveillance and monitoring of STD trends will continue to provide important information regarding the effectiveness of existing health programmes and help us formulate new plans for the future.