Health
WHO Reports Surge in Global Sexually Transmitted Infections
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, with over 1 million new infections occurring daily among adults aged 15-49.
A report published on May 21 highlighted a troubling increase in syphilis cases, which have surged from 7.1 million in 2020 to 8 million in 2022. This includes a worrying rise in congenital syphilis cases.
Additionally, the WHO has raised alarms about antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea with nine countries reporting heightened resistance to ceftriaxone, the last-line treatment for this infection.
The overall rise in STIs is exacerbated by inadequate screening and limited access to healthcare services, the WHO revealed.
“The rising incidence of syphilis raises major concerns,” says WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“We have the tools required to end these epidemics as public health threats by 2030, but we now need to ensure that, in the context of an increasingly complex world, countries do all they can to achieve the ambitious targets they set themselves.”
In contrast, there has been positive news in the global fight against HIV. New HIV infections have decreased from 1.5 million in 2022 to 1.3 million, marking significant progress.
However, the WHO noted that certain populations, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, transgender individuals, and those in prisons and other closed settings, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV.
The report also highlighted advancements in expanding services for STIs, HIV, and hepatitis. Several countries have successfully eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis.
To further reduce infection rates, the WHO recommended accelerating efforts to decriminalise and destigmatise those affected by STIs and other infections.
Strengthening primary prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is also key to raise awareness and improve outcomes for those affected by these conditions.