Focus on Disproportionate Burden among Women, African-Americans, Gay and Bisexual Men More than 750 public health leaders will convene in “As the studies presented at this conference show, the disparities in STD rates among women, African-Americans, and gay and bisexual men remain stark,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s Several studies presented at the conference provide additional evidence of what works to reduce the spread of STDs, including retesting for chlamydia after initial treatment to monitor for repeat infections, and expedited partner therapy – a clinical practice that allows health care providers to provide treatment to sexual partners of those diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without giving them a full medical exam. Other studies provide new insights into socioeconomic and other factors that contribute to STD disparities, including lack of access to health care, racial discrimination, and misinformation about STDs. “We have a better understanding than ever of the reasons for STD disparities,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. “It’s critical that we address the root causes of this problem because it is affecting our most vulnerable populations. We must use insights gained through research and conferences like this to guide the development of STD prevention programs.” Conference keynote speakers, including Thomas Frieden, M.D., director of CDC, and William Foege, M.D., senior fellow of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carter Center, will discuss the future of STD prevention at a time when severely limited resources at all levels have taken a heavy toll on the nation’s public health infrastructure. “It is clear that public programs alone won’t be able to dramatically reduce STD rates. Everyone must be involved in the solution,” said CDC estimates that there are 19 million new STD infections every year, making STDs the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the The National STD Prevention Conference, held biennially, is the only major visit www.cdc.gov/stdconference. Contact:
(404) 639-8895, NCHHSTPMediaTeam@cdc.gov