The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a groundbreaking global database to track the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), marking a significant step in addressing data gaps in low- and middle-income countries.

This open-access platform consolidates standardized, quality-assured data from 2010 onwards, encompassing 5 key STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes simplex virus type 2, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

The database aggregates over 766 studies and 2453 prevalence data points, sourced from diverse populations including adolescents, sex workers, pregnant women, and clinic attendees.

Rigorous quality criteria ensure all included studies have clear population definitions, sufficient methodological detail, and sample sizes of at least 100.

The initiative aims to empower policymakers, researchers, and public health organizations with evidence-based tools to design targeted interventions, strengthen surveillance systems, and reduce the global STI burden.

By centralizing data from both published and unpublished sources, WHO emphasizes its commitment to evolving this dynamic resource to reflect emerging public health needs and expand coverage of additional STIs over time.