Sexually transmitted

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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant global health challenge, with more than 1 million curable STIs being acquired daily, primarily among people aged 15 to 49 years. These infections often go undetected as the majority are asymptomatic. In 2020, an estimated 374 million new cases of curable STIs were reported, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.


**Syphilis** poses a particularly concerning threat, with 8 million adults estimated to have been infected in 2022, including 1.1 million pregnant women. This resulted in over 390,000 adverse birth outcomes. Syphilis and other STIs have a significant impact on sexual and reproductive health, contributing to stigmatization, infertility, pregnancy complications, cancers, and increased vulnerability to HIV.


Globally, more than 500 million people are estimated to have genital infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), and **human papillomavirus (HPV)** is associated with over 311,000 cervical cancer deaths each year.


STIs are caused by more than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The most common pathogens are grouped into two categories:
- **Curable STIs**: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
- **Incurable but manageable viral infections**: HIV, hepatitis B, HSV (herpes), and HPV.


Additionally, new sexually transmitted infections like mpox, Shigella sonnei, Neisseria meningitidis, and Zika virus have emerged, complicating STI prevention and treatment services. **Drug resistance** remains a significant challenge in managing STIs, particularly with gonorrhea, where resistance to antibiotics is rising.


STIs continue to affect sexual and reproductive health, requiring global and coordinated efforts for prevention, early detection, and treatment to reduce their burden.