Global health sector strategy on Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2016-2021

Overview

The strategy positions the health sector response to sexually transmitted infection epidemics as critical to the achievement of universal health coverage – one of the key health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals identified in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The strategy, once adopted, and its implementation will contribute to a radical decline in new sexually transmitted infections and in deaths related to such infections (including still births and cervical cancer), while improving individual health, men’s and women’s sexual health, and the well-being of all people. It will guide efforts to: accelerate and focus comprehensive prevention efforts through scaling up evidence-based combined behavioural, biomedical and structural approaches; facilitate people’s access to information on their sexually transmitted infection status; improve access to treatment and comprehensive long-term care when needed; and challenge pervasive stigmatization and discrimination. The strategy promotes a people-centred approach, grounded in principles of human rights, gender equality and health equity.