Ireland records more than 18,900 STI cases as WHO targets remain out of reach

Overall, 11,840 cases were confirmed in men and 6,940 in women. Picture: HSE/ SH24.ie

There were more than 18,900 confirmed cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Ireland last year, amid warnings that the country will not meet World Health Organization (WHO) targets for reducing and eliminating the diseases.

Figures on STI notifications for 2025 from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) showed that, while the notification rate decreased by 8% compared with 2024, Ireland did not meet its WHO target for 2025.

Overall, 11,840 cases were confirmed in men and 6,940 in women. A total of 5,147 cases were notified among young people aged 20 to 24.

The HPSC said gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men remain a “key population impacted by STIs in 2025”.

The target for 2025 was to achieve a 20% reduction in the incidence of four diseases — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis — among people aged 15 to 49. Ireland recorded only a 10% reduction.

The HPSC added that Ireland, like its European counterparts, is “not on target” to achieve a 90% reduction in new cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea, as well as a 50% reduction in new cases of chlamydia and trichomoniasis, by 2030.

Chlamydia 

There were 10,337 confirmed cases in 2025, representing a 10% decrease in notifications compared with 2024.

However, the notification rate was 21% higher in men than in women, and 43% of cases were among young people aged 15 to 24.

There was no regional health data available for all chlamydia cases in 2025 due to data-processing changes.

Gonorrhoea 

There were 5,325 confirmed cases, representing an 11% decrease compared with 2024.

The HPSC said 88% of cases were among men and that, while notification rates were lower among men under the age of 35, they were higher among those aged over 35.

The highest notification rates were recorded in the HSE Dublin and Midlands region.

Early infectious syphilis 

There were 902 cases, with the notification rate falling by 7% in 2025.

Among women, the highest notification rate was recorded in those aged 25 to 29.

Regionally, the HSE South West region recorded an increase in notifications.

Genital herpes 

There were 1,898 confirmed cases, and the notification rate increased by 3.5%.

Some 33% of cases were among young people aged 15 to 24. Women accounted for 69% of cases, with those aged 20 to 24 recording the highest age-specific notification rate.

The HSE Dublin and Midlands region recorded the highest notification rate.