What's Happening?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the increasing resistance of gonorrhoea to antibiotics, based on data from its Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP).
The report highlights a significant rise in resistance to ceftriaxone and cefixime, the primary antibiotics used to treat gonorrhoea, with resistance rates climbing from 0.8% to 5% and from 1.7% to 11% respectively between 2022 and 2024. The data was collected from 12 countries across five WHO regions, indicating a growing commitment to track and contain drug-resistant infections. The report coincides with World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, emphasizing the need for global action against drug-resistant infections.
Why It's Important?
The rise in drug-resistant gonorrhoea poses a significant threat to global public health, as it could lead to a lack of effective treatments for this sexually transmitted infection. The increasing resistance to antibiotics could result in higher transmission rates and more severe health outcomes, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare. This situation underscores the importance of strengthening surveillance systems, improving diagnostic capabilities, and ensuring equitable access to new treatments. The WHO's call for integrating gonorrhoea surveillance into national STI programs is crucial to prevent further spread and protect public health worldwide.
