Overview
The 2024 report on monitoring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the EU/EEA provides a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s efforts to track, prevent, and control STI epidemics. By synthesizing data reported by EU/EEA member states, the document outlines the state of play for STI prevention and control in 2024 and assesses progress toward the interim 2025 targets set to curb transmission and improve health outcomes.
Data sources and scope
Surveillance for STIs in the EU/EEA relies on standardized reporting systems that collect laboratory-confirmed cases and clinical diagnoses for key infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and, where available, hepatitis and HIV co-infections. The 2024 edition consolidates national reports, laboratory data, and sentinel surveillance to provide comparable indicators across countries. Regional health authorities emphasize timely reporting, case definition consistency, and data completeness to strengthen cross-border public health responses.
Key findings from 2024
Several trends emerged from the 2024 monitoring cycle. First, overall STI notification rates remained elevated in multiple EU/EEA countries, with notable increases in certain jurisdictions that reflect enhanced testing, changes in sexual behaviour, and improved case ascertainment. Second, testing coverage expanded in many regions, aided by decentralized services, greater access to point-of-care tests, and targeted outreach to at-risk populations. Third, antimicrobial stewardship concerns persist for gonorrhoea, underscoring the need for surveillance of resistance patterns and adherence to treatment guidelines.
Gender, age, and sexual behaviour indicators continue to inform risk stratification, though data gaps remain for subgroups such as adolescents and migrants in some settings. Co-infection with HIV or hepatitis remains a critical consideration for integrated care models and surveillance systems that capture comorbidity patterns.
Progress toward the 2025 interim targets
The EU/EEA has established interim targets for 2025 aimed at reducing transmission, increasing testing, and improving access to prevention services. The 2024 report gauges progress by examining testing rates, linkage to care, treatment outcomes, and data quality improvements. While some countries report progress in expanding screening programs and reducing time to treatment, others highlight ongoing barriers, including stigma, resource constraints, and disparities in healthcare access that affect surveillance completeness.
Regional variation and lessons learned
Variation across regions reflects differences in health system capacity, public health infrastructure, and community engagement. Jurisdictions with strong laboratory networks and integrated STI services show higher data quality and more timely reporting. Lessons include the value of routine data linkage between STI clinics, primary care, and laboratory services, which enhances case finding and enables monitoring of treatment effectiveness and antimicrobial resistance in real time.
Challenges and opportunities for 2025 and beyond
Challenges remain, including ensuring standardized case definitions, harmonizing reporting timelines, and closing data gaps for underrepresented populations. Opportunities lie in expanding digital health tools, increasing community-based testing, and strengthening cross-border collaboration to detect and respond to outbreaks rapidly. Emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship, vaccination where relevant, and comprehensive prevention messaging will be essential to meet the 2025 interim targets.
Policy implications and recommendations
Policymakers should prioritize sustained funding for STI surveillance systems, support for rapid diagnostic testing, and access to confidential and stigma-free care. Integrating STI monitoring with broader sexual health strategies, HIV prevention, and reproductive health programs will help create a more resilient public health framework capable of adapting to evolving epidemiology.
Conclusion
The 2024 EU/EEA STI surveillance report offers a critical assessment of where the region stands in monitoring sexually transmitted infections and advancing prevention and control. By identifying gaps, sharing best practices, and highlighting progress toward 2025 targets, the report supports data-driven decision-making and stronger regional collaboration to reduce STI burden and improve population health.
