BLESSING TAIWO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 374 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur each year globally.
As part of efforts to curb the spread of STIs, the global organisation disclosed plans to convene a Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the development of evidence-based Clinical guidelines on doxycycline prophylaxis.
According to the statement on WHO’s website on Wednesday, Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, that is doxycycline taken after unprotected sex, is a novel intervention that could be considered for STI prevention.
To reduce the burden of infection and its associated complications, the Global health sector strategy 2022-2030 lists the identification and implementation of novel evidence-based strategies for STI prevention as one of the key action items.
GDG members will contribute to the review of evidence and will propose recommendations through the GRADE methodology. They will participate in the GDG meeting, which will be held in a series of virtual sessions on 25 and 26 June 2025.
“The main objective of the meeting is to develop recommendations on the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea) for men who have sex with men and transgender people. The specific objectives are:
“To review the evidence and support the evidence-to-decision process through the GRADE methodology including benefits versus harms, values and preferences, feasibility, resource use, equity and cost; and to formulate recommendations based on the evidence review including potential implementation considerations and the research gaps.
“Guideline Development Group Composition:
In accordance with WHO guidelines for developing recommendations, the GDG is composed of members from all WHO regions, serving in their individual capacities rather than as representatives of affiliated organizations.
“GDG members were selected by WHO technical staff based on their technical expertise, their role as end-users (e.g., programme managers and healthcare providers), and their representation of affected communities. Members do not receive financial compensation for their contributions to this process,” the statement said.
WHO further called on members of the public and interested organisations to review the biographies of the GDG members and provide feedback.
Comments can be submitted via email to hiv-aids@who.int by latest 11 June 2025. This feedback helps WHO develop high-quality guidelines that reflect diverse perspectives and respond to the needs of communities worldwide.
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