The World Health Organization reports a steady rise in drug-resistant gonorrhea based on new data from its Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP). The trend underscores the need for stronger surveillance, better diagnostics, and equitable access to new STI treatments during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. Resistance to key antibiotics continues to climb. From 2022 to 2024, ceftriaxone resistance increased from 0.8 percent to 5 percent, and cefixime resistance rose from 1.7 percent to 11 percent. Azithromycin resistance held at 4 percent while ciprofloxacin resistance reached 95 percent.
Cambodia and Viet Nam reported the highest resistance levels. EGASP participation improved significantly. In 2024, 12 countries contributed data, compared with only four in 2022. These countries were Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malawi, the Philippines,…
