Sexually Transmitted Infections

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There are more than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites known to be transmitted through sexual contact. Based on WHO latest estimates, approximately 38 million sexually active people aged 15-49 in the Americas have an easily curable STI (Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and/or trichomoniasis). STIs can have important health consequences, including genital symptoms, pregnancy complications, infertility, enhanced HIV transmission, and psychosocial effects.

Globally, efforts for stemming the STI epidemic are guided by the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy on STIs, 2016–2021 which provides goals, targets, and priority actions. Regionally, the Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2016-2021 supports an accelerated, focused, more effective, innovative and sustainable response by countries in the Americas, paving the way towards the goal of ending the epidemics of AIDS and STIs as public health problems by 2030. 

When used correctly and consistently, condoms offer one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV.

PAHO Response

WHO develops global norms and standards for STI treatment and prevention, strengthens systems for surveillance and monitoring, including those for drug-resistant gonorrhoea, and leads the setting of the global research agenda on STIs.

Our work is currently guided by the Global health sector strategy on sexually transmitted infections, 2016 -2021, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2016 and the 2015 United Nations Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents’ Health, which highlight the need for a comprehensive, integrated package of essential interventions, including information and services for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Regionally, the Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2016-2021 supports an accelerated, focused, more effective, innovative and sustainable response by countries in the Americas, paving the way towards the goal of ending the epidemics of AIDS and STIs as public health problems by 2030.