Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis are experiencing a surge in most parts of the world, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) released on Tuesday. The global health agency noted that HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs remain major public health challenges, resulting in 2.5 million deaths annually.
The report cautioned that the rising incidence of STIs, along with insufficient progress in reducing new HIV and viral hepatitis infections, jeopardises health targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rising Causes Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The four curable STIs, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, collectively account for over one million infections daily, according to WHO, and have seen a significant rise lately. Moreover, the report highlighted that new outbreaks of infections that can be sexually transmitted, such as mpox, Shigella sonnei, Neisseria meningitides, Ebola, and Zika, as well as the re-emergence of neglected STIs like lymphogranuloma venereum, present increasing challenges in providing adequate STI prevention and control services.
Increase In Syphilis Cases
The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in both adult and maternal syphilis cases—1.1 million cases and a related rise in congenital syphilis, with 523 cases per 1,00,000 live births annually.
The report highlighted a significant rise in new syphilis cases among adults aged 15-49, with over one million new infections in 2022, totalling eight million cases. Additionally, there were 2,30,000 deaths related to syphilis. The most notable increases were observed in the Americas and Africa.
Rise In Gonorrheoa
New data also indicate a rise in multi-resistant gonorrhoea. As of 2023, WHO reported that out of 87 countries with enhanced gonorrhoea antimicrobial resistance surveillance, nine showed elevated resistance levels to ceftriaxone, the last line of treatment.
Hepatitis and HIV Incidence
In 2022, there were approximately 1.2 million new hepatitis B cases and nearly one million new hepatitis C cases. Despite effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment tools, deaths from viral hepatitis increased from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022.
New HIV infections saw a slight decline, from 1.5 million in 2020 to 1.3 million in 2022. HIV-related deaths remain high, with 630,000 deaths in 2022, 13% of which were among children aged 15 and younger.
Tackling The Challenge Of STIs
STIs are caused by more than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
STIs can have serious health consequences beyond the immediate impact of the infections:
- Increased HIV Risk: STIs like herpes, gonorrhoea, and syphilis can increase the risk of acquiring HIV.
- Mother-to-Child Transmission: This can lead to stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight, prematurity, sepsis, neonatal conjunctivitis, and congenital deformities.
- Cancer: HPV infection can cause cervical and other cancers.
- Hepatitis B: Resulted in over one million deaths in 2022, primarily from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Infertility: STIs such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia are major causes.
Preventing STIs
Here’s how you can prevent the threat of STIs:
- Use Condoms: Correct and consistent use of condoms is one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV. However, condoms do not protect against STIs that cause extra-genital ulcers, like syphilis or genital herpes.
- Get vaccinated: Safe and effective vaccines are available for hepatitis B and HPV, which have been significant advances in STI prevention.
- Regular STI Screening: Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk behaviours.
- Limit Number of Sexual Partners: Engaging in a mutually monogamous relationship where both partners are uninfected reduces the risk of STIs. Discuss STI testing and sexual health openly with new partners.
- Communicate with Your Partner: Talk about sexual history, STI testing, and prevention strategies with your partner. Agree on safe sex practices and support each other in maintaining sexual health.
- Avoid Risky Sexual Behaviors: Avoid sexual activities that increase the risk of STIs, such as unprotected sex and sharing sex toys without proper cleaning.
- Avoid Substance Use: Avoid using alcohol or drugs before sex, as they can impair judgment and lead to risky behaviours.
- Get Treated Promptly: If you suspect an STI, seek medical attention immediately to get tested and treated. Follow through with the entire course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms disappear.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Keep up-to-date with information about STIs, their symptoms, and prevention methods. Educate peers and sexual partners about the importance of STI prevention and safe sex practices.
The WHO report highlighted the need to reduce risky sexual behaviour, information, education, and counselling to help individuals recognise STI symptoms and encourage seeking care and partner treatment. However, public awareness, health worker training, and stigma around STIs remain barriers to effective intervention. Screening and treatment services for STIs face numerous challenges, including limited resources, stigma, poor service quality, and out-of-pocket expenses.