"Alarming Surge of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Europe Sparks Health Concerns"

European countries have seen a significant surge in sexually transmitted infections, with gonorrhoea cases rising by 48%, syphilis by 34%, and chlamydia by 16% in 2022 compared to the previous year. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned of the urgent need to raise awareness and promote sexual health, emphasizing the importance of testing, treatment, and prevention efforts to address the rise in infections. The increase in STIs is attributed to changes in sexual behavior, reduced testing and treatments during the pandemic, and potential changes in the number of sexual partners or types of sex post-pandemic. Experts are urging governments to focus on promoting protection, practising safer sex, and fostering open dialogues about STIs to reduce transmission rates.