Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis and gonorrhea, are on the rise globally according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The report found that four curable STIs - chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis - are responsible for over one million infections daily among adults aged 15-49.
The number of new syphilis cases among adults increased from 7.1 million in 2020 to 8 million in 2022. There has also been an increase in congenital syphilis, which occurs when a baby is born with the infection after the mother passed it on during pregnancy. The rate per 100,00 live births per year rose from 425 to 523 between 2020 and 2022.
Cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea are also increasing, with nine countries reporting elevated levels of resistance to ceftriaxone, a last line treatment for gonorrhea. The report notes that disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic likely delayed screening for many.
The WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the rising incidence of syphilis and noted that there have been gains in expanding STIs, HIV, and hepatitis services. Several countries have eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis.
The report also highlights the importance of decriminalizing and destigmatizing those affected by STIs to drive rates down. Recommendations include strengthening the focus on primary prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to raise awareness of STIs and infections.
In addition to these findings, a separate report from WHO revealed that new HIV infections declined from 1.5 million in 2020 to 1.3 million in 2022. However, certain populations such as men who have sex with men; people who inject drugs; sex workers; transgender people; and those currently in prisons and other closed settings continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV.
The reports underscore the importance of continued efforts to address STIs, HIV, and hepatitis globally.
