Global Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Twenty-First Century: Beyond the Numbers

Abstract

STI are a serious public health threat. The World Health Organization recently launched the new “WHO Global health sector strategy on Sexual transmitted infections, 2016–2021. Towards Ending STIs—WHO, 2016”, with quantitative targets. Global STI estimates are issued regularly based on global surveillance. STI epidemiological surveillance is needed to evaluate STI control at all levels. It includes case reporting, prevalence assessment, evaluation of STI aetiologies and antimicrobial resistance. STI surveillance and monitoring has largely improved over the last years and linking STI surveillance with sound intervention may contribute to better prevention and care as has been observed with syphilis. However, it still needs technical improvement, political adherence, funding, and inclusion of key populations. The integration with national surveillance systems is increasing making universal reporting the norm, but this is not linked with better quality of data. Only with the implementation of its four components a better idea of STI magnitude can be achieved.