WHO: Sexually transmitted diseases affect 1 million daily

MANILA, Philippines — With more than one million individuals contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) every day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the diseases remain a persistent and endemic health threat across the globe.

Based on new data published online by the WHO, these one million cases involved people aged 15 to 49.  

Annually, more than 376 million new cases of four infections – chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and syphilis – are documented.

“We’re seeing a concerning lack of progress in stopping the spread of STI worldwide,” noted Peter Salama, executive director for Universal Health Coverage and the Life-Course at the WHO. 

Salama added that this should serve as a wake-up call for a concerted effort to ensure “everyone, everywhere can access the services they need to prevent and treat these debilitating diseases.”

The research also showed that among men and women aged 15 to 49, there were 127 million new cases of chlamydia in 2016; 87 million with gonorrhea; 6.3 million with syphilis and 156 million with trichomoniasis.

According to the WHO, STIs have a profound impact on the health of adults and children. 

“If untreated, they can lead to serious and chronic health effects that include neurological and cardiovascular disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirths and increased risk of HIV. They are also associated with significant levels of stigma and domestic violence,” the WHO said.