WHO global research priorities for sexually transmitted infections
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are widespread worldwide and negatively affect sexual and reproductive health. Gaps in evidence and in available tools have long hindered STI programmes and policies, particularly in resource-limited settings. In 2022, WHO initiated a research prioritisation process to identify the most important STI research areas to address the global public health need. Using an adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative methodology including two global stakeholder surveys, the process identified 40 priority STI research needs. The top priorities centred on developing and implementing affordable, feasible, rapid point-of-care STI diagnostic tests and new treatments, especially for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis; designing new multipurpose prevention technologies and vaccines for STIs; and collecting improved STI epidemiologic data on both infection and disease outcomes. The priorities also included innovative programmatic approaches, such as new STI communication and partner management strategies. An additional six research areas related to mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) reflect the need for STI-related research during disease outbreaks where sexual transmission can have a key role. These STI research priorities provide a call to action for focus, investment, and innovation to address existing roadblocks in STI prevention, control, and management to advance sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing for all.
Date Issued
2024-09-01
Date Acceptance
2024-07-01
Citation
The Lancet Global Health, 2024, 12 (9), pp.e1544-e1551
ISSN
2572-116X
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
e1544
End Page
e1551
Journal / Book Title
The Lancet Global Health
Volume
12
Issue
9
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2024 World Health Organization. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article published under the CC BY 3.0 IGO license which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. In any use of this article, there should be no suggestion that WHO endorses any specific organisation, products or services. The use of the WHO logo is not permitted. This notice should be preserved along with the article’s original URL.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39043199
PII: S2214-109X(24)00266-3
Subjects
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Science & Technology
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2024-07-20