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The following is a summary of “Global burden of sexually transmitted infections,” published in the April 2024 issue of Dermatology by Sinka, et al.

Addressing and controlling the global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial for mitigating their associated health impacts. The World Health Organization has updated its global health sector strategy to emphasize the prevention and control of STIs, highlighting their importance in HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health initiatives. For a study, researchers sought to quantify and describe the global burden of STIs, utilizing enhanced data collection methods such as systematic reviews and modeling. The focus was on major curable STIs—gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis—as well as common viral STIs like human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes. Additionally, the study examined the relationship between STIs and HIV and assessed the unequal distribution of these infections globally and among specific populations.

Data were gathered through systematic reviews and modeling to create a comprehensive overview of global and regional STI prevalence and impact. Despite notable data gaps in many countries, these methods provide valuable insights into the global burden of STIs.

The findings revealed the significant prevalence of major curable and viral STIs, underscoring their extensive impact. There was a notable interconnection between STIs and HIV, with a disproportionate burden observed globally and among key populations. The trends in STI rates are influenced by demographic changes, the availability and effect of interventions like vaccination, behavioral shifts affecting STI transmission, and the impact of international travel on STI spread in a connected world.

While data gaps persisted, current measures highlighted the considerable global burden of STIs. Effective control required continuous data collection improvements and targeted interventions, particularly in disproportionately affected populations and regions. Emphasizing STI prevention and control remained a critical component of broader global health strategies, including those for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health.

Reference: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X23002547