Sexually transmitted diseases in northern Nigeria Five years' experience in a university teaching hospital clinic

Between 1977 and 1981, 3089 patients attended the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic in Zaria, northern Nigeria. The male-to-female ratio of attenders was 6:1. Postpubertal gonorrhoea accounted for 28-1lo of cases, non-specific genital infections for 22 4%, and syphilis for 1 20o. Illiteracy, polygamy, the purdah system, widespread prostitution, and inadequate facilities are factors aiding the spread of these diseases in northern Nigeria.