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Toward Eliminating Sexually Transmitted Infections: Monitoring, Evaluating Global Progress, Equity and Sustainability

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A special issue of Venereology (ISSN 2674-0710).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 8682

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Dr. Phuong The Nguyen

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Guest Editor

Research Center for Health Policy and Economics, Hitotsubashi Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS), Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo 186-8601, Japan
Interests: Universal health coverage; infectious diseases; HIV/AIDS; COVID-19; reproductive mother, newborn, and child health; non-communicable diseases; cancers; financial risk protection
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Prof. Dr. Stuart Gilmour

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Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke’s International University, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Interests: quantitative health systems assessment; statistics; simulation; modeling; epidemiology; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The elimination of sexually transmitted infections (STI), a major public health concern, is a critical milestone in the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and other health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To achieve these ambitious targets, monitoring and evaluating the framework of UHC with accessibility, affordability, and availability of STI prevention and treatment services are key to supporting government and policymakers in timely adaptation of national policies and programs.

In this Special Issue, we aim to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date evidence-based information on the current progress of global STI control and management, monitoring and evaluating the equity and sustainability of STI prevention and treatment services and other dimensions of the UHC framework, including financial protection for using STI services.

We are seeking submissions of original research on STI epidemiology, economic evaluation, and inequality analysis. Solid brief reports, systematic reviews, clinical studies, and research protocols are also welcome.

Dr. Phuong The Nguyen
Prof. Dr. Stuart Gilmour
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Venereology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

STI elimination
Universal Health Coverage
Treponema pallidum
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
congenital syphilis
human papillomavirus
HIV/AIDS
monkeypox

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 524 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Effectiveness of the Surveillance Strategy for Antimicrobial-Resistant Gonorrhea in the United States: A Modelling Study

by Sofya Prakhova

Venereology 2026, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/venereology5010007 - 24 Feb 2026

Viewed by 194

Abstract

Background: The surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) gonorrhea in the United States is conducted under the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP). Its protocol involves the collection of urethral isolates from the symptomatic men diagnosed with urethral gonorrhea at designated surveillance sites and the estimation of the percentage of cases resistant to current and former gonorrhea antibiotics. A switch to a new antibiotic is typically made when this percentage for a current first-line drug reaches 5%. However, the cost-effectiveness of this surveillance strategy has never been assessed. Methods: We utilized our previously developed agent-based model of gonorrhea transmission among the US men who have sex with men (MSM) population and estimated the total number of gonorrhea cases, total number of discounted quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and total discounted costs over 25 years under the current surveillance strategy and under a scenario with no surveillance. Results: The maintenance of the current surveillance strategy is projected to avert 104,108 (95% uncertainty interval: 9163, 213,238) gonorrhea cases, gain 192.9 (95% uncertainty interval: 6, 458.3) QALYs and save $38.6 million (95% uncertainty interval: $1 million, $68.2 million) in the simulated cohort of 10,000 US MSM over a 25-year period (2023–2048) when compared to a scenario with no surveillance. Conclusions: The current US surveillance strategy for AMR gonorrhea is cost-saving. However, the low-bound estimate indicates limited savings of $1 million, which is relatively modest at a national scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Eliminating Sexually Transmitted Infections: Monitoring, Evaluating Global Progress, Equity and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 922 KB

Open AccessArticle

Demographics and Prevalence of HBV, HCV, and Syphilis Among the Female Sex Workers of Daulatdia, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Md. Ahsanul Haque, Rahima Begum, Md. Zulfekar Ali, Dewan Zubaer Islam, Ashikur Rahman, Ismail Khalil and Shahad Saif Khandker

Venereology 2026, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/venereology5010003 - 7 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3931

Abstract

Background: In Bangladesh, a number of sex workers are involved in commercial sex work in different brothels in both legal and illegal settlements due to reasons such as lack of social support, depression, forced sex, abuse, violence, polyamory, being kidnapped, and unemployment. In this study, we tried to evaluate the demographic characteristics and prevalence of viral and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the study population. Methods: A total of 250 female sex workers were interviewed and tested from the Daulatdia brothel of Rajbari district, Bangladesh, who had been working there for at least 1 month. Through questionnaires, demographic data were collected. Primarily, lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests were used to investigate HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), and Syphilis, which were reconfirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cases of positive results. Results: The mean age was 27.51 ± 6.69 years with a range of 18–50 years. Most of them (n = 243, 97.98%) had elementary knowledge of STDs. We determined that overall, 96 (38.40%) were positive for either of these diseases. Individually, 10 (4.00%), 18 (7.20%), and 68 (27.20%) were positive for HCV, HBV, and syphilis, respectively. Conclusions: Our observation indicates that females of all ages should be strictly protected from forced sex work. Current sex workers should be educated regarding the dangers and protective mechanisms of STDs. In addition, as a public health concern, regular clinical check-ups and STD associated diagnoses are necessary to ensure the safety of FSW from these highly infectious and concerning diseases. Due to their socio-economic condition, proper treatment and rehabilitation are highly recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Eliminating Sexually Transmitted Infections: Monitoring, Evaluating Global Progress, Equity and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 580 KB

Open AccessArticle

Syphilis Burden and Aneurysm Correction Outcomes in Brazil (2010–2024): Regional Disparities and Economic Impacts

by Gabriel Kaleb Martins, Sophia Cyane Souza Carvalho, Maria Eduarda Dantas Reis, Grazielly Ferreira Dias, Gabriela Lopes Jesus, João Victor Lima and Cláudio Firmino Dantas

Venereology 2025, 4(4), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/venereology4040016 - 10 Dec 2025

Viewed by 490

Abstract

Background: Syphilis, a major sexually transmitted infection, may contribute to cardiovascular complications, impacting hospital outcomes and costs. This study evaluates the association between syphilis burden and hospitalization outcomes (cost, length of stay, and aneurysm mortality) across Brazilian regions from 2010 to 2024. Methods: Using Brazil’s national healthcare database (n = 405 state-year observations), we classified states by syphilis burden (high, low, intermediate) based on hospitalization rates. Outcomes included average hospitalization cost (R$), length of stay (days), and aneurysm mortality rate (per 100,000). Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, ANCOVA models adjusted for hospital complexity and year, and sensitivity analyses (alternative thresholds, outlier removal) were conducted. Regional trends and economic impacts were assessed. Results: High syphilis burden was associated with shorter hospital stays (β = 2.11, p = 0.0008, Cohen’s d = −0.484, power = 0.937) but not with cost (β = 37.6, p = 0.758) or mortality (β = −0.077, p = 0.951). Syphilis incidence correlated moderately with hospitalizations (r = 0.422) but not with aneurysm mortality (Spearman ρ = −0.065, p = 0.193). Total costs (2010–2024) were R$17.7 M (high burden), R$1.9 M (low), and R$12.0 M (intermediate). Regional analyses revealed significant interactions in Nordeste and Norte for length of stay (p = 0.013–0.033). Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness (Adjusted R² = 0.049–0.273). Conclusion: High syphilis burden is linked, ecologically, to reduced hospital stays, potentially reflecting fewer complex cases, with substantial economic costs. Regional disparities highlight the need for targeted STI prevention. These findings inform health policy to mitigate syphilis-related hospital burdens in Brazil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Eliminating Sexually Transmitted Infections: Monitoring, Evaluating Global Progress, Equity and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 352 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic Utility of Human Papilloma Virus Testing in Comparison with Pap Cytology and Histopathology in Unvaccinated Women with Cervical High-Grade Dysplasia and Carcinoma in Botswana

by Patricia Setsile Rantshabeng, Nametso Dire, Andrew Khulekani Ndlovu and Ishmael Kasvosve

Venereology 2025, 4(4), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/venereology4040015 - 17 Nov 2025

Viewed by 764

Abstract

Background/Objective: High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is an established causative agent for the malignant transformation of cervical cells that can be detected using the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test. A call by the World Health Organization (WHO) for global collective efforts towards eliminating cervical cancer has endorsed hrHPV DNA testing as an alternative screening test. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of hrHPV DNA testing in detecting high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) in unvaccinated women with abnormal Pap smears and histopathologically confirmed CIN3 and carcinoma. Methods: This study included 111 cervical tissues with a histopathological confirmation of the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade (CIN3) and malignancy. Tissues were sectioned, dewaxed, and digested, and DNA was extracted and tested for hrHPV using the Abbott RealTime HR HPV assay. Pap smear results associated with the tissue samples were extracted from corresponding clinical records, and data was analyzed using R-statistical software. Results: Extracted Pap smear records for the 111 cervical tissue samples indicated that 89 (80.2%) had a high-grade intraepithelial lesion (Pap-HSIL), 20 (18%) had squamous cell carcinoma (Pap-SCC), and two (1.8%) had Pap-adenocarcinoma. A total of 68/89 (76.4%) of Pap-HSIL, 15/20 (75%) of Pap-SCC, and ½ (50%) of Pap-adenocarcinoma cases had detectable hrHPV DNA. Conclusions: This study’s findings demonstrate that the Pap smear is still a valuable screening test especially for detecting both hrHPV-dependent and -independent cervical dysplasia in unvaccinated populations. While considerations are made to improve cervical cancer screening, including the introduction of hrHPV DNA testing in national cervical cancer screening programs, there is a need for the careful interpretation of molecular testing results for clinical intervention. This is especially important for hrHPV-independent cervical dysplasia screening, since this can have dire implications for clinically asymptomatic women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Eliminating Sexually Transmitted Infections: Monitoring, Evaluating Global Progress, Equity and Sustainability)

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20 pages, 1041 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Cost of Cutbacks: How Reduction in Development Assistance for Health May Affect Progress Made in HIV/AIDS Control in Africa

by Richmond Nketia, Daniel Atta-Nyarko, Ebenezer Gyamfi, Rostand Dimitri Messanga Bessala, Naomi Adotei, Benjamin Asare-Kyei, Faustina Ameyaa Marfo, Prosper Tonwisi Luri, Charles Limula, Abubakr Ahmed Farhan, Michele Castelli and Austin Gideon Adobasom-Anane

Venereology 2025, 4(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/venereology4020008 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 2213

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The recent Executive Order suspending the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes, including Development Assistance for Health (DAH), has sparked serious debates about the sustainability of ongoing HIV/AIDS control programmes, particularly in Africa. In this study, we examined HIV/AIDS-specific DAH allocation to Africa from 1990 to 2022, and the potential effects of funding cutbacks on disease outcomes. Methods: We nested 54 countries within five sub-regions of Africa and applied linear mixed-effects models to estimate the effects of DAH on HIV/AIDS incidence and mortality rates, accounting for clustering by sub-region and potential variability due to baseline incidence and mortality and other sources of heterogeneity. Results: Total DAH allocated to Africa increased from US$534,343 in 1990 to US$5,273,264 in 2022. The United States (U.S.) public sector contributed nearly two-thirds (US$58,399,088; 63.01%) of the total funding. Most of these funds were disbursed to Southern and Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly countries with the highest HIV/AIDS burdens, including South Africa and Kenya. The fixed effects results and predicted margins indicate that, in addition to having a direct effect, U.S. public sector-specific DAH moderates the effectiveness of other international donor funding and domestic general government health spending (GHES) on HIV/AIDS incidence and mortality. Conclusions: Based on the historical trends and funding interactions, the cutback in U.S. DAH could be associated with weakening of the overall effectiveness of other donor funding and GHES. However, any future effects are contingent on African countries’ resilience to evolving challenges and resource allocation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Eliminating Sexually Transmitted Infections: Monitoring, Evaluating Global Progress, Equity and Sustainability)

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