Comprehensive Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections: Global Burden, Clinical Impact, and Prevention Strategies

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain among the most significant global public health challenges, and IPC dilemma, affecting millions of individuals annually and contributing to substantial reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and psychosocial morbidity. The epidemiology of STIs continues to evolve with emerging pathogens, changing sexual behaviors, increasing antimicrobial resistance, and advances in diagnostic technologies.

This educational session provides a comprehensive and evidence-based overview of the current global burden of STIs, their clinical implications, contemporary diagnostic approaches, prevention strategies, and emerging challenges in STI management. Drawing upon the latest recommendations from the American association of Prevention of Infection and Control, (APIC) World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC 2024), the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH), BASHH guidance, NHS clinical practice resources, the session will equip healthcare professionals with practical knowledge applicable to both clinical and public health settings.

This event has a mixed medium of instruction in both English and Arabic languages.

By the end of this event you will be able to:

1. Describe the current global epidemiology and burden of sexually transmitted infections.
2. Classify major sexually transmitted pathogens and explain their clinical pathogenesis.
3. Identify appropriate diagnostic methods, including molecular diagnostic technologies used in modern STI care.
4. Discuss recent updates in STI management, including CDC 2024 recommendations and Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP).
5. Recognize the growing impact of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in gonorrhea.
6. Explain the emerging clinical significance of Mycoplasma genitalium.
7. Apply evidence-based prevention strategies, including vaccination, screening programs, and partner management.
8. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of syndromic management compared with etiological diagnosis.
9. Support achievement of WHO 2030 STI elimination goals through integrated public health interventions.