The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about a surge in drug-resistant sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Europe, raising fears that untreatable strains could spread globally. The alert comes as new data reveals that cases of gonorrhea resistant to multiple antibiotics have more than doubled in the region since 2020.
Alarming Rise in Resistant Gonorrhea
According to the WHO's European office, the proportion of gonorrhea cases showing resistance to ceftriaxone, the last-line treatment, has risen from 1.5% in 2020 to 3.5% in 2025. In some countries, resistance rates exceed 10%. The WHO warns that without new antibiotics, gonorrhea could become untreatable within a decade.
“We are seeing a worrying trend of antimicrobial resistance in STIs, particularly gonorrhea,” said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “This is not just a European problem; it is a global threat that requires urgent action.”
Factors Driving the Crisis
The rise in drug-resistant STIs is linked to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, as well as inadequate surveillance and treatment. The WHO also notes that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted STI services, leading to delayed diagnoses and incomplete treatment courses.
In addition to gonorrhea, resistant strains of chlamydia and syphilis are emerging. The WHO estimates that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could cause 10 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050 if left unchecked.
Call for Action
The WHO is urging governments to strengthen surveillance, promote responsible antibiotic use, and invest in new treatments. Preventive measures, including condom use and regular STI testing, are also critical.
“We must act now to preserve the effectiveness of our last-resort antibiotics,” Kluge added. “Otherwise, we risk a future where common infections become deadly.”
