To gather information on specialpopulation groups pregnant women, military men, truckdrivers, sex workers through testing for common STDs andmaking inquiries regarding sexual practices and attitudesusing a rapid assessment methodology. The studies: (i) arethe first ever reliable source of STD prevalence data inthese countries, (ii) raise awareness of policy-makers as tothe magnitude of common STDs and unsafe sexual behavioramong certain population groups, (iii) validate STDtreatment guidelines, (iv) increase capacity in clinical andepidemiological skills, and (v) help to effectively treatstudy participants for common STDs. These studies, althoughsimple and rapid in design compared to community-basedhousehold surveys, are still a challenge to perform in thelow resource setting of most African countries. Ensuringhigh quality standards for laboratory testing and adequatesupplies of drugs, and mobilizing truck drivers and sexworkers requires a high degree of planning and resourcefulness.
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