Final Statement. Advisory Meeting: Integrating and strengthening responses to mpox, syphilis, and other STIs on the road to elimination. São Paulo, 3–4 April 2024

Abstract

Despite country-level initiatives and efforts, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose a serious public health problem in the Americas. Although there are many activities aimed at eliminating vertical transmission of syphilis, adult syphilis infection rates have risen in many countries. This rise has been recorded in several population groups, as shown by data from different countries, but mainly in pregnant women. In addition to syphilis, other STIs such as gonorrhea-as well as antimicrobial resistance to treatment-pose challenges to the sustainability of the public health response and the elimination of STIs. An estimated 11 million new cases of STIs occur every year in the Americas, and many countries have only limited resources for etiological diagnosis and surveillance of treatment resistance. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the situation and formulate consensus recommendations for innovative, effective, and integrated strategic lines of action for the response to syphilis and other STIs and the elimination of mpox in Latin America and the Caribbean, based on WHO guidance.