In England, syphilis cases have risen by 5% from 2023 to 2024, while gonorrhoea diagnoses have decreased by 16%, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
The NHS is launching a groundbreaking gonorrhoea vaccination programme in August to combat antibiotic-resistant strains and protect at-risk groups.
Rising Syphilis Cases and Declining Gonorrhoea Rates
Syphilis continues to be a growing concern in England, with early-stage diagnoses increasing by 2% from 9,375 in 2023 to 9,535 in 2024.
Overall syphilis cases have reached 13,030. This rise highlights ongoing public health challenges despite efforts to curb sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Conversely, gonorrhoea cases have seen a significant decline of 16%, dropping to 71,802 diagnoses in 2024. Notably, there has been a remarkable reduction of 36% among young people aged 15–24.
However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.
The Threat of Antibiotic Resistance
The increase in ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea is alarming, with more cases reported in the first five months of 2025 than throughout all of 2024.
This trend underscores the urgent need for effective interventions and highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing antibiotic resistance.
Vaccination Programme Launch
- The NHS will introduce a world-first gonorrhoea vaccination programme starting August.
- The vaccine targets at-risk groups such as gay and bisexual men with recent multiple partners or bacterial STIs.
- This initiative aims to reduce infection rates and combat antibiotic resistance effectively.
Testing and Prevention Efforts
Free and confidential STI testing remains available across England, encouraging individuals with new or casual partners to get tested regularly.
Public health campaigns continue to emphasize safe sex practices as essential measures for preventing STI transmission and protecting sexual health.
Quotes from Health Experts
“Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual wellbeing,” said Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency.
“Regular testing protects both you and those you’re having sex with.”
“STIs can have a major impact on your health,” stated Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care at NHS England.
“The rollout of the world-first vaccination programme for gonorrhoea is a crucial step forward.”
Additional Reading
The Takeaway
The UK’s proactive approach through vaccination programmes aims to address rising syphilis rates and combat antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea effectively.
Continued public awareness campaigns are vital for promoting regular testing and safe sex practices among young people and minority groups most affected by STIs.
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Sources: UK Government, UK Health Security Agency, and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
