32819 A Call to Action: Emerging STI/HIV Issues

Course overview

Discussion of emerging STI/HIV issues, including U.S. statistics regarding syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea; resources available within the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers regarding STD education and guidelines; and a case scenario for an individual seeking evaluation and treatment for syphilis. HIV and STIs are both major public health issues in the U.S. and around the world. Individuals who are infected with an STI such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia often are co-infected with HIV, or are more likely to contract HIV in the future due to high risk sexual behaviors. In the U.S., both syphilis and HIV are highly concentrated epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM). One in eight people in the U.S. have HIV and are not aware that they have it, and 8,400 new HIV cases are diagnosed annually by STD clinics. The economic burden related to HIV and STI infection is great, with the cost of new HIV cases attributed to STIs being $1.5 billion annually. STI and HIV prevention and control programs play an integral role in HIV/STI identification, prevention, and ensuring access to care. Part one of this two-part program discusses statistics regarding syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea in the U.S, and identifies resources available within the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers regarding STD education and guidelines.