Implementing STD Control Program On the Navajo Nation

Background: The Navajo Social Hygiene STD Program created through January, 1975 Tribal Resoultion CF-20-77. To reduce the STD/syphilis to levels which no longer constitues a threat to the Navajo population.

Objectives: 1) To introduce the Navajo STD Control Progam in terms of development from inception to the current design. 2) Highlight interagency collaborative between the Navajo Nation and States of Az. and NM. 3) Highlight sucessful intra-agency partnership that support and advocate regarding the objectives and goals.

Methods: Collaboration between the Navajo Social Hygiene, Navajo Area Indian Health Services, the States of NM and Az. Evolution of the Navajo STD Program with interagency, expansion and relationship through Memorandum of Agreements and funding. Effective STD screening, diagnostic, prevention, successful inter-agency partnership. And, continue development of community wellness through institution of STD Prevention education, screening in detention centers, detox centers and outreach activites on the Navajo Reservation and bordertowns. 

Results: Barriers exist in developing STD Prevention Program in American Indian Country includes lack of staffing, limited resouces, competing priorites and cultural concerns. The Navajo Social Hygiene STD Program has sucessfully negotiated many of the barriers with creative strategies, which other American Indian Nations could find beneficial.

Conclusions: Effective STD screening, diagnostic and prevention will benefit the health and well-being of American Indians, particularly Native Women, adolescents and children.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research:Developing STD Control Program has barriers regarding lack of funding, resources, cultural concerns. The Navajo Social Hygiene STD Program is successfully, due to MOA, partnerships and working out creative strategies.