Recent figures show an undeniable and worrying trend: gonorrhoea infections continue to rise, with an increase of more than 30 per cent by 2023, building on a year-on-year increase. This trend is observed across Europe.
Recent statistics reveal worrying trends
The increase is particularly significant among women, where diagnoses almost doubled. There is also a notable increase among heterosexual men. These figures highlight the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns.
The role of declining condom use and prevention
Experts are still investigating the causes of these increases. While no definitive conclusions have been drawn, preliminary research suggests that a combination of decreased condom use, decline in prevention campaigns and possibly increased virulence of the bacteria are contributing to the increase. These factors underscore the importance of effective prevention strategies and the need for continuous research on sexually transmitted infections.
Besides gonorrhoea, other STIs such as chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV also remain a constant public health challenge. However, in light of the rapid increase in gonorrhoea infections, health organisations are calling for renewed efforts and investment in prevention and education.
The urgency of increased awareness and action
These organisations stress the critical importance of promoting safe sexual behaviour and making sexual health services readily available. It is clear that if we do not reverse this trend, public health and individual health outcomes will be at risk. The time to act is now, with a renewed focus on prevention, education, and the availability of health services.
