What do we need to learn for policy decision-making on sexually transmitted infections prevention and treatment in...

The rising trend of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in several western countries has also affected Israel. To review epidemiological trends and to address additional issues needed for a wider overview on STIs in Israel, we analysed notified data on infectious syphilis, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis and HIV/AIDS during 1998-2007, by age groups, and each available publication on STIs in Israel. The trend of each disease had a unique pattern, probably influenced by different screening procedures, case definition, mix of populations and better access to care for high-risk populations. Higher rates were found among patients aged 25-34 years. Rates found in different peak years for gonorrhoea, HIV, chlamydia and infectious syphilis reached 43.6, 18.9, 10.8 and 8.1 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. We compare trends to those of countries from World Health Organization (WHO) European Region and discuss interventions for subpopulations on which additional data are needed for evidence-based policy-making. Incidence rates of syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and HIV/AIDS are still low in Israel. We propose additional components needed for a more comprehensive evidence-based policy on STIs.