Though Kenya conducts advanced tests and diagnosis to four leading STIs namely syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas vaginalis, the tests are done in high-end laboratories, according to Kaliti.
For syphilis, various methods for tests are used, for example, rapid plasma reagin (RPR), the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test and the toluidine red unheated serum test.
The newer methods use genetic probes, (PCR), are more exact, rapid and specific to the genetic makeup of the pathogen but may cost more.
The preferred current test for chlamydia is Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), previously ams routinely microscopy are used to see" clue cells" or blood tests for the antigens against chlamydia.
"We are ready to embrace the technology of testing STIs, according to WHO guidelines, but may be more costly," said Kaliti. "There are other tests in Kenya, but at high-end labs. The challenge is to lower the cost and make them routine or deploy them for public health system use".
On his part, Dr George Moses Ogweno, a fertility and IVF specialist, said TPPs for point of care diagnostic technologies will improve diagnosis, treatment and reduce spread of infections.
The new testing technologies, he said, will also prompt quality management of infections.
According to Dr Ogweno STIs are one of the major causes of infertility, currently being witnessed among individuals in reproductive age.
"If patients are diagnosed and treated on time, especially at the point of tests, we shall not have referrals and long wait to have patients treated," said the fertility expert.
Ongweno said the new diagnostic as per WHO guidelines should be done at lower hospitals like dispensaries, and target disadvantaged groups like slum areas where STIs could be a major challenge to diagnose.
"TPPs for point care diagnostic technologies is something that is encouraging because most of the time, we have a challenge on turn around time," said Dr Ogweno.
He said the guidelines will also reduce stigma, as patients privacy will not be infringed because results will be instant, unlike the current challenge where access to rapid tests used to test chlamydia and gonorrhoea are used.
"With better testing modalities, it will be easier, we see taking vaginal swabs as very intrusive, and especially with adolescents who are mostly uncomfortable. Some cultures also make patients reluctant to undergo tests," added Dr Ogweno.
"It is a worrying trend that individuals who undergo tests do not pick results, because of unknown fears, an issue that will be handled by new testing modalities,"
The expert emphasised that technology will also help address some major causes of infertility at a much earlier stage.
Dr Kaliti added that Kenya is experiencing a rise of STI's, emergence of resistant strains and a relaxation of use of barrier protection during intercourse.
"There is an increase in casual and unprotected sexual encounters, a rise in infertility attributable to STI's," said the official.
To reduce STIs infections, the Ministry of Health encourages abstinence, public awareness, protected intercourse, deliberate surveillance for STIs and up tick of population screening for STIs, treatment guided by sensitivity of medicine used to treat the specific infection, regulation of over the counter self treatment for STIs.
"There should be responsible engagement in intimate actions and adherence to a single uninfected intimacy partner," added Kaliti.