Campus Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness

According to data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Notifiable Disease Surveillance System, syphilis cases in Taiwan have shown an upward trend in recent years, particularly among younger populations. Although gonorrhea cases have shown a slight decline, continuous monitoring of epidemiological changes remains necessary. A summary of the current situation is provided below:

(1) Syphilis Trends

1. Since 2021, syphilis cases have gradually increased. The number of confirmed cases from 2019 to 2025 were 9,400; 8,800; 9,413; 9,707; 9,941; 9,737; and 9,935, respectively. In 2025, cases increased by 2% compared to 2024. Overall, males account for the majority of cases; however, female cases increased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024.
2. By age group, individuals aged 25–34 represent the largest proportion of infections. Notably, the increase is most significant among the younger population aged 13–24, indicating an urgent need for strengthened prevention and intervention measures.
3. Among the 13–24 age group, there were 1,920 confirmed syphilis cases in 2025, with more males than females. Compared to 2024, cases increased by 1% in males and 28% in females.
4. Further analysis shows that while individuals aged 19–24 account for the largest number of cases, the growth rate is highest among those aged 13–15 (20%), followed by 16–18 (10%) and 19–24 (7%). This indicates a trend toward younger ages of infection, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention.

(2) Gonorrhea Trends

1. Gonorrhea cases increased since 2020 but have shown a slowing decline since 2024. The number of confirmed cases from 2019 to 2025 were 4,523; 7,082; 7,382; 8,015; 8,257; 7,607; and 6,417, respectively. In 2025, cases decreased by 16% compared to 2024, with males accounting for the majority.
2. By age group, individuals aged 25–34 represent the largest proportion, followed by those aged 13–24. Compared to 2024, all age groups showed a decline in confirmed cases except those aged 45–54, which increased by 2%.
3. Among the 13–24 age group, although the trend has slightly declined in recent years, there were still 1,852 confirmed cases in 2025, a number comparable to syphilis cases.
4. Notably, among individuals aged 13–15, female cases exceed male cases, which differs from the overall gender distribution. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen sexual education, sexual health awareness, and STI prevention efforts among young people.

To enhance accessibility to health education, consultation, and screening services, the Taiwan CDC provides:

• Anonymous STI Consultation Services
• Rapid Syphilis Screening Services for individuals aged 24 and below or students

For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC official website and refer to the “Anonymous STI Consultation and Screening” section for resources and promotional materials.

Additionally, educational materials related to HIV and other STIs can be accessed and downloaded from the Taiwan CDC website:

https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ → “STI Health Education Resources”

Source: Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC):https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/CGzEoX5oy6CDg7le1XX5NQ