Global epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have been recognised as a major public-health problem for a number of years. In 1912, Prince Morrow, chair of the US committee looking into the problem of venereal diseases, was quoted as saying "it is a conservative estimate that fully one-eighth of all human suffering comes from this souurce". Despite medical advances, STDs continue to pose a threat to the health and welfare of individuals.