National Coalition of STD Directors: Assessment of the Impact of STDs on the United States

The National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) asked the National Academy of Public Administration (the Academy) to investigate and describe the scope and impact in the United States of three major, reportable STDs—specifically, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis—and assess the effectiveness of current prevention and control programs.In response to the NCSD request, the Academy formed an expert panel and a professional study team to collect and review available information concerning STD trends and efforts to prevent and control the three STDs noted above. The study focused principally on federally funded intervention programs and current funding. A review of state and local programs, as well as clinical/epidemiological issues, was beyond the scope of this study. By providing a consolidated overview of the current state, this Academy study is intended to help NCSD and the other stakeholders in the STD community inform a national action strategy for reducing STD transmission rates and improving public health.