WHO consolidated operational handbook on sexually transmitted infections

Overview

WHO's Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) has consolidated all existing normative guidance on STIs into a single publication. Structured around 10 chapters that follow the STI prevention and care cascade, the handbook covers primary prevention, syndromic management and asymptomatic case identification, diagnostics, treatment, partner management, surveillance, service delivery, and integration within primary health care, community-based clinics, or other platforms (HIV, sexual health, antenatal clinics, etc).

Developed according to WHO's rigorous guideline development standards, the handbook draws on the latest WHO recommendations across multiple guideline modules published between 2016 and 2025. Primarily aimed at national STI programme managers and policy-makers, it also serves health-care providers, laboratory professionals, and technical organizations involved in STIs prevention and control. Seven annexes provide ready-to-use tools including syndromic management flowcharts, diagnostic summaries, treatment recommendations, partner services guidance, and STIs indicators for monitoring and evaluation.