Sexually transmitted infections

Introduction

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major global cause of acute illness, infertility, long-term disability and death, with severe medical and psychological consequences for millions of men, women and infants.

STIs may produce no symptoms at all or produce symptoms that are mild and transient. However, many STIs can have severe long-term consequences. Some (gonorrhea, chancroid, herpes simplex virus) produce acute symptoms. In adults, chlamydia and gonorrhea may lead to complications such as infertility and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy or chronic illness. In unborn and newborn children, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can produce serious and often
life-threatening conditions, such as congenital syphilis, pneumonia and low birth weight. STIs amplify the risk of HIV transmission, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a proven precondition for the development of carcinoma of the cervix, which is the second leading cause of female cancer mortality worldwide.

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Fact sheets

Women and sexually transmitted infections

News and press releases

29 April 2010
WHO warns of danger of untreatable gonorrhoea
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01 December 2009
Protection of human rights is fundamental in AIDS battle, says WHO
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02 December 2008
WHO on AIDS: "Time to lead, empower and deliver"
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Relevant publications and documents

Meeting of Focal Persons for the Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV in the Pacific Island Countries and Areas

Regional Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2008-2012
This Regional Strategic Plan has been developed after wide consultation with countries in the Region and after examining the results of individual country needs and gaps. A face-to-face consultation was held in Penang, Malaysia in November 2007 where 18 countries in the Region participated to discuss the Strategy. During the consultation participating countries discussed their individual action plans and ways of achieving the identified priority objectives. For each priority objective, regional targets were identified and agreed upon and indicators were also identified as guidance to countries. The main goal of the Action Plan is to reduce STI-related morbidity and mortality in the Western Pacific Region. The priority objectives and key result areas of the Action Plan are to improve STI case management, expand access to STI care, eliminate congenital syphilis, reduce STI transmission and improve data management.

Asia-Pacific Operational Framework for Linking HIV/STI Services with Reproductive, Adolescent, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Services
This Framework is based on the hard work of both country participants and representatives of United Nations agencies who took part in the three regional meetings in Kuala Lumpur in November 2006 and in Guilin in May 2007 to discuss linkages. It provides guidance to countries for the strengthening of linkages between reproductive health (RH), adolescent reproductive health (ARH), maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH), and the prevention and management of HIV and other STI. Particular emphasis is placed on linkages that will improve HIV/STI prevention and outcomes, and allow RH, ARH and MNCH services to benefit from the strengthening occurring in HIV/STI programmes. Lessons learnt and future directions appropriate to the Asian region are cited.