WHO is convening a Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the development of evidence-based Clinical guidelines on doxycycline prophylaxis for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
WHO estimates that 374 million new cases of curable STIs occur annually. To reduce the burden of infection and its associated complications, the Global health sector strategy 2022-2030 lists the identification and implementation of novel evidence-based strategies for STI prevention as one of the key action items. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, i.e. doxycycline taken after unprotected sex, is such a novel intervention that could be considered for STI prevention.
GDG members will contribute to the review of evidence and will propose recommendations through the GRADE methodology. They will participate in the GDG meeting, which will be held in a series of virtual sessions on 25 and 26 June 2025.
The general objective of this meeting is to develop recommendations on use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea) for men who have sex with men and transgender people. The specific objectives include:
- to review the evidence and support the evidence-to-decision process through the GRADE methodology including benefits versus harms, values and preferences, feasibility, resource use, equity and cost; and
- to formulate recommendations based on the evidence review including potential implementation considerations and the research gaps.
Guideline Development Group composition
In accordance with WHO guidelines for developing recommendations , the GDG is composed of members from all WHO regions, serving in their individual capacities rather than as representatives of affiliated organizations. GDG members were selected by WHO technical staff based on their technical expertise, their role as end-users (e.g., programme managers and healthcare providers), and their representation of affected communities. Members do not receive financial compensation for their contributions to this process.
Call for public comments
To ensure transparency and inclusivity, WHO invites members of the public and interested organizations to review the biographies of the GDG members
