What is the WHO guidelines for sexually transmitted infections?
Since the publication of the WHO Guidelines for the management of sexually transmitted infections in 2003, changes in the epidemiology of STIs and advancements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment necessitate changes in STI management. There is an urgent need to update treatment recommendations for gonococcal infections to respond to changing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of N. gonorrhoeae. High-level resistance to previously recommended quinolones is widespread and decreased susceptibility to the extended-spectrum (third-generation) cephalosporins, another recommended first-line treatment in the 2003 guidelines, is increasing and several countries have reported treatment failures.
Do countries take updated global guidance into account?
It is strongly recommended that countries take updated global guidance into account as they establish standardized national protocols, adapting this guidance to the local epidemiological situation and antimicrobial susceptibility data.
Is there an urgent need to update treatment recommendations for gonococcal infections?
There is an urgent need to update treatment recommendations for gonococcal infections to respond to changing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of N. gonorrhoeae. High-level resistance to previously recommended quinolones is widespread and decreased susceptibility to the extended-spectrum (third-generation) cephalosporins, ...
Screening
In March 2021, WHO released the WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis. Module 2: Screening – systematic screening for tuberculosis disease (1). These guidelines include 17 new and updated recommendations for the screening of TB disease.
Diagnosis
In July 2021, WHO released the WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis. Module 3: Diagnosis – rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis detection 2021 update (3). Three new classes of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) are now endorsed by WHO:
Treatment
In April 2021, WHO convened a guideline development group (GDG) to review data from a trial conducted in 13 countries that compared 4-month rifapentine-based regimens with a standard 6-month regimen in people with drug-susceptible TB (6).
Comorbidities, vulnerable populations and people-centred care
In May to June 2021, WHO convened a GDG to review updated evidence on the management of TB in children and adolescents (aged 0–9 and 10–19 years, respectively). A rapid communication that summarizes the main updates to guidance on the management of TB in children and adolescents was released by WHO in August 2021 (8).
Other actions to support TB policy guidance
To exchange views on emerging areas where there is a need for global TB policy guidance, in March 2021, WHO convened a consultation on the translation of TB research into global policy guidelines, attended by scientists, public health experts, partners, civil society and countries (9).
