Pat Stevens/
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed alarming statistics on genital herpes, with approximately 846 million people aged 15 to 49—more than one in five globally—living with the infection. This was based on new estimates released by the WHO on Wednesday.
The report highlights that each year, 42 million people are newly infected with genital herpes, meaning at least one new case occurs every second.
While many experience mild or no symptoms, others suffer painful genital sores and recurring blisters that can disrupt their lives and lead to repeated healthcare visits.
Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, stressed the urgent need for improved prevention strategies and treatment options to reduce herpes transmission. She emphasised that addressing genital herpes could also help curb the spread of HIV, as the two infections are often interconnected.
Dr. Sami Gottlieb, a medical officer with WHO and co-author of the report, pointed out that stigma surrounding genital herpes has hindered open discussions about the condition. This, she noted, has led to insufficient efforts to combat the infection despite its widespread impact.
The WHO report calls for expanded research and investment in herpes vaccines and new therapies to improve the quality of life for those affected.
Dr. Gottlieb explained that, while condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, they are not completely effective. She also recommended that individuals with active symptoms avoid sexual contact, as the virus is most contagious when sores are present.
The economic burden of genital herpes is substantial, with global healthcare expenditures and productivity losses estimated at $35 billion annually.
To address this, WHO has emphasised increasing access to antiviral medications, raising awareness about the infection, and integrating herpes prevention into broader HIV prevention strategies.
In line with its Global Health Sector Strategy for 2022-2030, the WHO aims to reduce the spread of genital herpes and its associated health impacts. It recommends HIV testing for individuals with herpes symptoms and the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention when necessary.
Dr. Gottlieb concluded, “Developing effective vaccines and therapies, along with equitable access, will be critical in addressing the global herpes epidemic and improving lives worldwide.”
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