Sexually transmitted diseases remain a major global public health burden despite the availability of effective prevention strategies to diagnose and treat bacterial STDs.  Concerning trends include increases in syphilis among men having sex with men as well as among women of reproductive age and congenital syphilis, decreased susceptibility and resistance among gonorrhea strains as well as emerging STD such as Mycoplasma genitalium, all of which present major challenges for local public health programs serving populations at risk.  While some of these increases are associated with technological advances such as geospatial apps for seeking partners,  it is important to recognize that technology in multiple forms can also be developed and used as an effective prevention measure for increasing access to screening, partner services, and health promotion.  This webinar will provide an overview of global STD and local trends with focus on US and recent California data as well as how advances in technology that link people to STD services should be a priority for research and development.
 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe global and local trends in bacterial STDs and priority populations at risk
2. Discuss gaps in access to effective STD prevention strategies  
3. Describe innovative technologies and policies that can improve access to STD screening and diagnosis