Sexually transmitted diseases: meeting the 1990 objectives--a challenge for the 1980s.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) represent a major public health problem in the country, cause patients enormous suffering, and cost the nation billions of dollars annually. Demographic, sociological, and behavioral changes in our society during the past decade are important contributors to the growing complexity and scope of the STD problem. Several agencies in the Public Health Service are engaged in the Federal effort against STDs. The Centers for Disease Control, as the lead agency, assists State and local health departments in their STD control efforts. In fiscal year 1981, federally supported syphilis and gonorrhea control efforts--based on prevention of an estimated 209,400 new cases--saved the taxpayers approximately $150 million. To meet the 1990 objectives, both the public and private medical sectors must recognize the STD problem of the 1980s. Without the support of the professional community and involvement of the private sector, the incidence of STDs will continue to increase at alarming proportions during this decade. The opportunity for promoting health, preventing human suffering, and reducing costs to society is great. Making the best of this opportunity is our challenge during this decade.