The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported that cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis across the continent have reached their highest levels since records began. The data, drawn from 27 member states, reveals a sharp increase in sexually transmitted infections during 2022, with gonorrhoea cases rising by 48 per cent and syphilis by 34 per cent compared to the previous year. The trend marks a worrying reversal of progress made in previous decades and places renewed strain on public health systems already grappling with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ECDC’s annual epidemiological report attributes the surge to a combination of factors, including reduced condom use, increased testing, and changes in sexual behaviour. The agency’s director, Andrea Ammon, said the figures “paint a stark picture” and underscored the need for sustained investment in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. She noted that the increases were particularly pronounced among young people and men who have sex with men, though infections have also risen in the general population.
The rise in gonorrhoea is especially concerning because of the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The bacterium responsible for the infection has shown decreasing susceptibility to the last-line antibiotics used to treat it, raising the spectre of untreatable strains. The ECDC has warned that without effective new treatments, gonorrhoea could become a major public health challenge similar to that posed by drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Syphilis, though treatable with penicillin, can cause serious long-term complications if left undiagnosed, including neurological and cardiovascular damage. Congenital syphilis, where the infection is passed from mother to child, remains a particular concern, as it can lead to stillbirth, neonatal death, or severe disability. The report noted a small but significant number of such cases in several member states.
Public health experts have called for a comprehensive approach to reverse the trend. This includes expanding access to testing, particularly for at-risk groups; promoting condom use through targeted campaigns; and improving partner notification systems to ensure that those exposed to infection receive timely treatment. The ECDC has also emphasised the importance of integrating sexual health services into primary care and reducing stigma that can deter people from seeking help.
National health authorities are being urged to reinforce surveillance systems to monitor antibiotic resistance and to stockpile effective treatments. Some countries, including the United Kingdom and France, have already begun to implement rapid testing pilots and online prescription services for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, which has been linked to increased testing for other STIs.
The report comes amid broader concerns about sexual health services in Europe, which were disrupted during the pandemic. Many clinics were repurposed for Covid-19 response or saw reduced capacity due to staff shortages. The ECDC has warned that without urgent action, the current outbreak could become a long-term crisis with significant implications for public health and healthcare costs.
For now, the agency is advising individuals to practise safe sex, get tested regularly if sexually active with multiple partners, and complete prescribed treatment courses. The message from Europe’s health authorities is clear: the fight against STIs is far from over, and complacency is not an option.
