We are not winning the battle to decrease cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in California or nationally. In fact, nearly 20 million new STIs occur every year, and in 2016 more than 2 million cases of three nationally-reported STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) were reported. This is the highest number on record, and unfortunately, it may not be complete as many cases continue to go undiagnosed and unreported. Sadly, young adolescents account for more than half of new infections, with African Americans and gay and/or bisexual men disproportionately affected. Data also shows that our senior community is similarly affected by the increases in STI cases.
CAFP’s Committees on Health of the Public and Continuing Professional Development are committed to tackling this public health crisis. STIs are manageable within the family physician realm. Who better to integrate this care within the full spectrum of care than family physicians? Join the battle with us!
Visit the STIs resources provided by the California Academy of Family Physicians.
