By Suleman Chitera

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a fresh warning on the sharp global increase in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, following alarming findings from its Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP). New evidence shows that the sexually transmitted infection (STI)—already one of the most common worldwide—is becoming increasingly harder to treat.

Drug Resistance Rising at Concerning Rates

According to WHO’s latest report released on Wednesday, resistance to frontline gonorrhoea treatments has surged between 2022 and 2024:

Ceftriaxone resistance: jumped from 0.8% to 5%

Cefixime resistance: rose from 1.7% to 11%

More countries have reported resistant strains, signalling a widening global health challenge.

Why This Matters

Gonorrhoea is typically manageable with antibiotics, but once strains become resistant, treatment becomes difficult—raising the risk of:

Infertility

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Increased HIV transmission

Lifelong complications if untreated

Health experts warn that unchecked resistance could lead to untreatable “super gonorrhoea”, a scenario WHO has repeatedly described as a major global health threat.

WHO Calls for Stronger Global Action

In response to the rising resistance, WHO is urging governments and health systems to invest in:

Stronger surveillance systems

Better diagnostic tools

Expanded access to effective treatment

Responsible antibiotic use

The organisation says these steps are essential to prevent the spread of resistant strains and to protect existing treatment options.

Local Situation: Rising Resistance but No “Super Strain” Yet

Here at home, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has acknowledged the growing presence of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea. However, authorities stress that the situation has not yet reached the level of a fully resistant “super strain.”

Health officials are encouraging early testing, prompt treatment, and safe sex practices as key strategies to slow the spread of resistant infections.

The Bottom Line

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea is no longer a distant concern—it is a rapidly expanding global threat. As resistance rates climb, both local and international health agencies agree: early action, stronger monitoring, and responsible antibiotic use are crucial to stop gonorrhoea from becoming completely untreatable.