Introduction
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a global public health challenge, with significant implications for reproductive health, economic productivity, and overall quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 374 million new cases of curable STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, occur annually among individuals aged 15–49 years (WHO, 2022). Viral STIs, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), further compound this burden due to their chronic nature and associated complications, including cancer and infertility (Chesson et al., 2021).

In the Kyrgyz Republic, a Central Asian nation, STIs have become a significant public health concern, driven by socioeconomic inequalities, inadequate healthcare access, and cultural stigmas related to sexual health. Regional data suggests that the prevalence of STIs in Kyrgyzstan is notably higher than in neighboring countries, with young adults and marginalized groups, such as sex workers and individuals with substance use disorders, disproportionately affected (UNAIDS, 2024). The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyz Republic has reported a gradual rise in syphilis and gonorrhea cases over the past decade, signaling the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions (Ministry of Health, Kyrgyz Republic, 2023).

This study aims to comprehensively examine the current landscape of STIs in Kyrgyz Republic by analyzing epidemiological trends, identifying sociocultural and economic determinants, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing public health strategies.

In Kyrgyzstan, there is limited information on this topic due presumably to social stigma and lack of awareness. In this study we will concentrate on the current state of STIs in Kyrgyzstan, including prevalence, distribution, potential causes, and peculiarities of management.

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Global health sector strategy on sexually transmitted infections 2022-2030. Geneva: WHO Press.
• Chesson, H. W., Mayaud, P., & Aral, S. O. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections: Impact and global trends. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 21(7), e295-e307.
• UNAIDS. (2024). Fact sheet: Global HIV and STI trends. Geneva: UNAIDS.
• Ministry of Health, Kyrgyz Republic. (2023). Annual health report. Bishkek: Ministry of Health Press.