Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major cause of acute illness and infertility worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 499 million new cases of curable STDs occur annually worldwide in adults aged 1549 years . The largest number of new infections occurs in the region of South and Southeast Asia, followed by sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In low-income countries, STDs rank in the top 5 disease categories for which adults seek health care.

The prevalence of STDs in refugee populations is not well characterized and likely varies among populations. It is important to consider STDs in refugees in order to minimize or prevent acute and chronic sequelae, as well as prevent transmission to others.

std-refugee-health-guidelines.pdf

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection