WHO global research priorities for sexually transmitted infections.

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.
Competing Interests: Declaration of interests SLG received support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation paid to WHO for work on therapeutic human papillomavirus vaccines and on COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, and the Gates Foundation travel support to meetings on maternal immunisation and women's health innovations. LHB received royalties for book editing on Sexually Transmitted Infections in HIV-infected Adults and Special Populations. JDK received grants and support from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Open Philanthropy; royalties and licences from UpToDate and McGraw-Hill; one-time consulting fees from Visby Medical, Diagnostics Direct, and Biofire; payment or honoraria from AIDS Healthcare Foundation; and payment for expert testimony from Gray Robinson. He is currently President of the non-profit organisation Herpes Cure Advocacy. JJO received grant support paid to his institution from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and US NIH; and honoraria for presentations or other speaking events and support for attending meetings from Gilead Sciences. He is currently Board Director for the Australian Society for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine and for Health Equity Matters and is a World Executive Committee member for the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI). RPHP received grants from NIH, Global AMR Innovation Fund–Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Open Philanthropy, Global Antibiotic Research and Development Program–South African Medical Research Council, and the Swiss National Science Foundation. KLS received grants paid to her institute from the Australian NHMRC (numbers 1182443, 2017383, and 2002182). She has also received airfare and conference registration support from the International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference and the IUSTI World Congress. PJW received support from the UK Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research, salary from the UK Health Security Agency and Imperial College London, and consulting fees from Pfizer and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. BVDP received consulting fees as an advisory board member for Abbot Rapid Diagnostics and Detect, consulting fees from Preventx, and speaking honoraria from Roche. She is President of the International Society for STD Research. NB received a consultancy contract from WHO for assistance with this project and had a contract with the Daffodil Centre on cervical cancer elimination. All other authors report no competing interests.
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