Global estimates show that an estimated 357 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur every year with one of 4 STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis. This report indicates a million people contracted STIs everyday.
Sexually transmitted infections have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide, and continue to cause a major burden of disease, according to the estimates published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Taken together with previous estimates of herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, other important STIs, the data suggest that more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day. A large proportion of new STIs occur amongst adolescents and young adults who may not be aware that they are infected – which can have a negative impact upon their future sexual and reproductive health.
STIs can have serious consequences not only on physical health, but also on the psychological and social well-being of those infected. If left untreated, both chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause serious damage to women’s reproductive organs, and can in turn lead to infertility, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes such as ectopic pregnancies.
Several STIs can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. Syphilis in pregnancy leads to approximately 305 000 fetal and neonatal deaths every year and leaves 215 000 infants at increased risk of dying from prematurity, low-birth-weight or congenital disease.
HPV infection causes over 500 000 cases of cervical cancer and over 250 000 cervical cancer deaths each year. Infection with STIs can also increase the risk of acquiring infection with HIV.
The World Health Organization said it is developing three global health sector strategies for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections to cover 2016-2021, which will be finalized for consideration by the 69th World Health Assembly in 2016. These Global Health Sector Strategies will be aimed at all countries across the world, and will have a particular focus on adolescents and key populations. The strategies will also highlight the importance of investment in research and innovation.
