Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a leading public health concern globally, generating substantial health, social, and economic consequences. Societal responses to STIs have evolved markedly over time, informed by advances in medical knowledge, shifts in social norms, globalization, and transformations in public health policies. The journey from early preventive actions and contact tracing to modern developments such as digital health innovations, rapid diagnostics, and vaccines offers significant lessons for crafting future advancements. Exploring the evolution of STI control strategies sheds light on persistent challenges and future opportunities in minimizing STI burdens worldwide.

Despite the strides made in diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures, STI rates continue to escalate, particularly affecting marginalized populations. This highlights an urgent need for research-centered interdisciplinary discussions around innovative STI control methods. This Research Topic gathers historical insights, contemporary epidemiological data, and pioneering prevention strategies for STIs. Submissions should address lingering challenges, identify research gaps, and propose strategic pathways emphasizing epidemiologically sound, socially adaptable, and culturally sensitive intervention models suitable for varied healthcare systems. Ultimately, this initiative aims to furnish evidence-based guidance and progressive pathways for public health stakeholders in their pursuit of sustainable and inclusive strategies to lessen the global burden of sexually transmitted infections.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the historical and modern evolution of infection control for sexually transmitted diseases and address future directions and possibilities, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored and sustainable interventions. Suitable themes for manuscripts include, but are not limited to:

1. Historical epidemiology of STIs and implications for contemporary public health interventions
2. The evolution of societal attitudes, stigma, and public health responses to STIs across cultures and timeframes
3. Advances, limitations, and cultural fit of community-based STI prevention programs
4. Innovations in epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, and outbreak management for STIs
5. Vertical transmission of STIs, including diagnostic tools, socioeconomic factors, and maternal and neonatal care
6. Socioeconomic and behavioral determinants influencing the spread and control of STIs
7. Implementation science approaches to scaling up STI screening, prevention, diagnostic, and treatment interventions
8. Digital health tools and telemedicine in STI prevention, surveillance, and care: continuity or revolution?
9. Economic evaluations and cost-effectiveness of STI control strategies: past lessons, future directions

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Tracing the Evolution of Infection Control for STIs: From Historical Roots to Future Directions