#2-96E. Beyond Biomedicine: Global Trends in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Lancet, 2025)

With the widespread availability of PrEP and HPV vaccines, why are clinicians witnessing a resurgence of syphilis and stagnant progress in global sexual health goals? This pivotal review analyzes epidemiological trends in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) since 2018. The authors report that while biomedical innovations like "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) offer powerful tools, their impact is severely limited by sociostructural barriers, funding cuts, and political headwinds. The most critical finding for clinical practice is the disconnect between technological capacity and public health reality: despite effective treatments, global targets for reducing syphilis and gonorrhea are being missed, with rates climbing in many areas. When reviewing these findings, however, listeners should consider the limitations of self-reported data on sensitive topics and variable surveillance quality in low-resource settings, which may obscure the true burden of disease. For physicians, this paper serves as a vital reminder that prescribing the right medication is only half the battle; improving patient outcomes necessitates a holistic approach that acknowledges and addresses the complex social determinants driving these epidemiological shifts.

Citation: Grulich, A.E., Mercer, C.H., Sturrock, B., et al. Partial progress in sexual and reproductive health and rights: the influence of sociocultural, behavioural, structural, and technological changes on epidemiological trends. Lancet. 2025.

Disclaimer: This audio summary is based on personal interpretation and does not guarantee the exact content of the original paper. Please refer to the original article for details.