27th IUSTI World Congress

Welcome words The 27th IUSTI World Congress, held in Prague, Czech Republic, from 14–17 October 2026, represents an important milestone in the continuing history of the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections. For decades, IUSTI has brought together clinicians, researchers, nurses, public health professionals, and experts from around the world with a shared commitment to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV infection. The strength of this international community lies not only in scientific excellence, but also in its enduring spirit of collaboration, exchange, and mutual support. The scientific programme of the 27th IUSTI World Congress reflects the remarkable breadth and dynamism of our field. It brings together current research, clinical experience, epidemiological insights, public health perspectives, and emerging approaches to some of the most important challenges facing sexual health today. The contributions presented at the Congress demonstrate the dedication of colleagues worldwide to advancing knowledge and translating scientific progress into better clinical care and improved public health outcomes. This volume of abstracts provides a record of these scientific contributions. Each abstract represents the work, experience, and ideas of colleagues who continue to expand our understanding of sexually transmitted infections and to seek innovative solutions to both longstanding and emerging challenges. Collectively, they illustrate the diversity, quality, and vitality of contemporary STI research and practice. The Congress also provides an opportunity to strengthen the international relationships that have always been central to the mission of IUSTI. Scientific progress is most powerful when knowledge is shared openly, different perspectives are brought together, and collaboration extends across geographical, professional, and generational boundaries. Prague provides an inspiring setting for this exchange. As a city at the heart of Europe, with a rich scientific, cultural, and historical heritage, it offers a natural meeting place for an international community dedicated to improving sexual health worldwide. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all authors, reviewers, speakers, chairs, committee members, partners, and colleagues whose commitment and work have contributed to the success of the 27th IUSTI World Congress. Their collective efforts are reflected in the scientific quality and diversity of the abstracts gathered in this volume. May this collection serve not only as a record of the scientific work presented in Prague, but also as a source of inspiration for future research, new collaborations, and continued progress in the field of sexually transmitted infections. Prof. MUDr. Jana Tresnak Hercogova, MD, PhD, MHA, IFAAD President, IUSTI World Congress 2026 Prof. Christopher Fairley, AO MB BS, PhD, FRACP, FAFPHM, FAChSHM, FAAHMS President, IUSTI World Congress 2026 Scientific Committee Co-chairs Janneke Heijne (NLD) – IUSTI World Andrew Winter (GBR) – IUSTI Europe Basic & Laboratory Science Chair Petra Wolffs (NLD) Members Irith de Baetselier (NLD) Cécile Bébéar (FRA) Jørgen Skov Jenssen (DNK) Fabian Kong (AUS) Tatum Mortimer (USA) Jo-Ann Passmore (ZAF) Behavioural Science Chair Marissa Becker (CAN) Members Ines Dourado (BRA) Mitzy Gafos (GBR) Leigh McClarty (CAN) Euphemia Sibanda (ZWE) Pavlo Smyrnov (UKR) Clinical Science Chair Sébastien Fouéré (FRA) Members Claire Dewsnap (GBR) Khalil Ghanem (USA) Patrick Katoto (COD) Carmen Lisboa (PRT) Ismail Maatouk (WHO) Gentiane Monsel (FRA) Jason Ong (AUS) Epidemiology & Surveillance Chair Laith Abu-Raddad (QAT) Members Hiam S. Chemaitelly (QAT) Sasha Fahme (LBN) Leigh Johnson (ZAF) Christine Johnston (USA) Katharine Looker (GBR) Remco Peters (WHO) Minttu Rönn (USA) Policy & Communities Chair Angelica Espinosa Miranda (BRA) Members María Eugenia Escobar (ARG) Olga Gvozdetska (UKR) Amina Hançali (MAR) Francis J. Ndowa (ZWE) Lori Newman (USA) Teodora Wi (PHL) Advisory Board Fund Raising Board Chair George Sorin Tiplica (ROU) Co-Chair Marc Steben (CAN) Members Tanya Appelgate (AUS) Adele Benzaken (BRA) Alison Footman (USA) Somesh Gupta (IND) Claudia Heller-Vitouch (AUT) Sara Lowe (ZWE) Angelica Miranda (BRA) Gustaaf Walvaardt (ZAF) Early Career Researcher Board Chair Lenka Vodstrcil (AUS) Members Zoïe Alexiou (NLD) Chido Ckiwari (ZWE) Smritee Dabee (CAN) Phyu Mon Latt (AUS) Aamirah Mussa (BWA) Oliva Van Gerwan (USA) Thibaut Vanbaelen (BEL) Scholarship Board Chair Alison Footman Members Pooja Chitneni (USA) Henry De Vries (NLD) Dismas Ouma (KEN) Emma Sweeny (AUS) Communication & Promotion Board Chair Jason Ong (AUS) Members Weiming Tang (USA) Tembo Mandikudza (GBR) Yusuf Babatunde (NGA) Warittha Tieosapjaroen (AUS) Community Outreach Board Chair Rayner Kay Jin Tan (SGP) Members Dean Connolly (GBR) Marie Lina Excellent (USA) Manik Kohli (GBR) Gifty Marley (CHN) Eleanor Joan Ong (SGP) Michal Pitoňák (CZE) Arthur Wong (AUS) Drieda Zace (ITA) Management & Scientific Policy Chair Derek Freedman (IRL) List of Abstract reviewers Angelica Miranda Andrew Winter Ann Burchell Claudia Heller-Vitouch Carmen Lisboa Caroline Cameron Cécile Bébéar Christine Johnston