The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning about the global increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, with new cases exceeding eight million among adults aged 15-49 and resulting in 230,000 syphilis-related deaths.
The Americas and Africa have seen the highest spikes in cases.
This rise in STIs, along with insufficient declines in new HIV and viral hepatitis infections, endangers the health objectives within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern about the rising syphilis cases, stressing the urgent need for intervention.
The report also pointed out issues such as antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea and the ongoing prevalence of hepatitis and HIV infections.
Despite these hurdles, WHO acknowledged advancements in expanding services for STIs, HIV, and hepatitis, highlighting that Namibia is on track to be the first country assessed for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
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