Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization has issued its first global recommendation on the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, known as doxyPEP, as concerns grow over rising bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
The new guidance, released on Thursday, introduces a preventive strategy targeting high-risk populations, particularly men who have sex with men and transgender women, where reinfection rates for syphilis and chlamydia remain high.
According to the WHO, doxycycline taken after sexual exposure significantly reduces the risk of syphilis and chlamydia and may also lower gonorrhoea infections in some settings.
The agency says the recommendation is designed to complement condom use and existing sexual health services while addressing prevention gaps in vulnerable communities.
“This new WHO recommendation marks an important step forward in expanding STI prevention options,” says Tereza Kasaeva.
“WHO encourages countries and partners to work together to scale up implementation of this recommendation to ensure that these important key populations at increased risk can benefit from evidence-based prevention options.”
Public health experts warn that stigma, poor access to integrated healthcare services and weak coordination between HIV and STI programmes continue to drive rising infection rates globally.
The WHO says doxyPEP implementation must include careful monitoring to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance and ensure targeted use among people with repeated infections.
The organisation adds that it will support countries through technical guidance and webinars before the full implementation toolkit and evidence reviews are released in coming months.
Health officials describe the move as a major shift in global STI prevention policy amid increasing calls for broader and more effective interventions.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Otamere Gladness 
Korede Abdullah 