#Gonorrhoea

A devastating sexually transmitted infection once nearly eliminated by modern medicine has returned with alarming force across developed nations, while antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea create unprecedented treatment challenges that threaten to overwhelm healthcare systems and devastate vulnerable populations worldwide.

Syphilis infections have surged dramatically across numerous high-income countries, with public health agencies documenting relentless increases since the early 2000s that show no signs of abating. This resurgence represents a catastrophic failure of prevention programs and reveals dangerous gaps in sexual health education, testing accessibility, and treatment coordination.

A common sexually transmitted infection has returned to many countries.
The infection can cause serious illness, birth complications, and social harm.

Syphilis rates have risen again in several high-income countries.
Public health agencies report steady increases since the early 2000s (BBC report).

The BBC released a short explainer titled “The STI that’s back and all you need to know”.
The video highlights rising syphilis numbers and growing concerns about resistant gonorrhoea (BBC video).

England has taken a pioneering step in global public health by launching the world’s first vaccination program targeting gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has reached record highs and shows worrying resistance to antibiotics. Starting from August 2025, sexual health clinics across England are now offering the vaccine—adapted from the 4CMenB meningococcal B vaccine—to people at highest risk, marking a significant move in the fight against a disease that has challenged medical professionals for decades. Health officials, experts, and advocacy groups alike are hailing the effort as a critical intervention with relevance for countries confronting rising STI rates, including Thailand.