Global Surge in Sexually Transmitted Infections: Syphilis Cases Up 12.7% Between 2020 and 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally, with 374 million cases of trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2020 alone. This alarming increase highlights the urgency of addressing public health challenges related to STIs.

Syphilis, in particular, has seen a notable rise. Between 2020 and 2022, syphilis cases among adults aged 15-49 increased by 12.7%, with eight million new cases reported in 2022. This surge is concerning due to the severe health consequences of untreated syphilis, including blindness, dementia, permanent paralysis, and death.

The rise in syphilis cases is not limited to adults. Congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, is also on the rise. This condition can lead to stillbirth, newborn death, and severe health problems in infants, such as rashes, organ inflammation, anemia, bone and joint problems, and neurological conditions.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the rising incidence of syphilis. 'The rising incidence of syphilis raises major concerns,' he stated. 'Fortunately, there has been important progress on a number of other fronts including in accelerating access to critical health commodities including diagnostics and treatment. We have the tools required to end these epidemics as public health threats by 2030, but we now need to ensure that, in the context of an increasingly complex world, countries do all they can to achieve the ambitious targets they set themselves.'

Why this matters:

The rapid increase in sexually transmitted infections poses a significant threat to global public health, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the root causes of this trend. If left unchecked, this surge could lead to severe health consequences, including increased mortality rates, and undermine progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The WHO report, 'Implementing the global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022–2030,' outlines the challenges posed by STIs, HIV, and viral hepatitis. These diseases cause 2.5 million deaths each year, threatening the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Four curable STIs—syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis—account for over one million infections daily. The WHO has set an ambitious target to reduce the annual number of adult syphilis infections ten-fold by 2030, from 7.1 million to 0.71 million.

The highest increases in STI cases have been observed in the Americas and Africa. These regions face significant public health challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a rise in both adult and maternal syphilis cases.

Despite the rise in STIs, there has been progress in accelerating access to critical health commodities, including diagnostics and treatment. Rapid tests for syphilis can provide results in minutes, allowing for immediate treatment initiation. Correct and consistent use of condoms during sex can also prevent the spread of syphilis.

The WHO's efforts to combat STIs are crucial in addressing the public health challenges posed by these infections. With the right strategies and resources, it is possible to significantly reduce the incidence of STIs and achieve the ambitious targets set for 2030.

Key Takeaways

• 374 million STI cases reported globally in 2020, with syphilis cases rising 12.7% between 2020 and 2022.
• Syphilis can cause blindness, dementia, paralysis, and death if left untreated.
• Congenital syphilis is on the rise, causing stillbirth, newborn death, and severe health problems in infants.
• WHO aims to reduce adult syphilis infections ten-fold by 2030, from 7.1 million to 0.71 million.
• Correct condom use and rapid testing can prevent and treat syphilis, helping to achieve the 2030 target.