Expanded Sexually Transmitted Infection Surveillance Efforts in the United States Military: A Time for Action

Background: To enhance the ability of the US military and partner countries to make informed decisions about sexually transmitted infections (STI) beyond HIV, AFHSC-GEIS is supporting surveillance and research studies amongst military and host country high-risk civilian groups.

Methods: Review of STI initiatives supported by the  Division of GEIS, Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC-GEIS) program from October 2010 to December 2013.

Results: A network of activities has been established with the collaboration of a dozen partners in ten countries resulting in expansion of STI surveillance, research and education initiatives in both the United States and overseas.  Key initiatives have taken place in four areas: 1) surveillance for emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), 2) screening for and assessment of the impact of STI infections among recruits, 3) seroepidemiologic studies of non-HIV viral STIs (such as HSV and HPV), and 4) conduct of clinically-relevant educational efforts for US military healthcare providers.

Conclusions: STI surveillance and research have been enhanced in the global US military community and partner countries beginning in 2010.  These have strengthened the capability of US Forces and partner countries to identify and characterize STI pathogens, assess their morbidity, and develop interventions.