Concerns grow over STIs among young people, including cases in 13- and 14-year-olds

STIs in Suriname have been diagnosed noticeably more often in recent months, according to the Dermatologische Dienst. Debora Hordijk, head of the Counseling & Testing department, says that gonorrhoea and syphilis in particular are clearly increasing. Speaking with the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (Suriname Communication Service) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, she warned that the trend has been visible for some time and is becoming increasingly concerning, according to the service.

Hordijk speaks of an increase in STIs in Suriname that has become more apparent over the past six to seven months. According to her, it does not concern adults alone. The Dermatologische Dienst is also increasingly seeing young people aged 25 and younger with an STI. According to her, cases are even known involving young people aged 13 and 14. This makes proper sexual education all the more important, according to the service.

The concerns surrounding STIs in Suriname are not solely related to the number of diagnosed infections. According to Hordijk, some young people lack sufficient knowledge about infection risks, symptoms and the consequences of untreated STIs. This creates the risk that symptoms are not recognised in time or that young people do not seek professional help due to shame, fear or uncertainty.

Increase in STIs in Suriname calls for more testing

An important point is that an STI does not always immediately cause noticeable symptoms. The World Health Organization, WHO, points out that many sexually transmitted infections can occur without symptoms. As a result, someone may be infected without knowing it and unintentionally pass on the infection. Testing is therefore important, especially when someone has had unprotected sexual contact or is uncertain about possible exposure.

The consequences of an untreated infection can be serious. According to the WHO, gonorrhoea can lead to fertility problems in both men and women, among other things. Without treatment, syphilis can affect various organs and the nervous system over time. The international health organisation also emphasises that antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea is becoming an increasingly significant problem worldwide.

Those who are sexually active should not only think about HIV, but also about other STIs.

Self-treatment with antibiotics is discouraged

Hordijk explicitly warns against using antibiotics on one’s own initiative. Not every antibiotic works against every infection, and an incorrect dosage or improper treatment may result in the infection not disappearing. She therefore calls on people with symptoms or doubts to get tested and follow treatment based on professional medical advice.

This advice is particularly relevant for gonorrhoea. The WHO warns that the bacterium causing gonorrhoea is increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. As a result, some medicines previously used have become less effective. More information about sexually transmitted infections, symptoms, prevention and treatment can be found at the World Health Organization.

Young people are an important target group for education

According to the Dermatologische Dienst, the increase in STIs in Suriname also exposes the continuing importance of sexual education. Young people need to know how infections are transmitted, what protection is available and where they can go for reliable information and testing. According to Hordijk, it is important that the subject is not only discussed once someone already has symptoms.

Parents and caregivers also have a responsibility, according to her. Hordijk calls on them to make time for conversations with their children. Open communication about sexuality, boundaries, protection and health can help young people make better-informed choices. Especially when very young teenagers with an STI come into care, it becomes clear, according to the service, how necessary timely and understandable education is.

STIs in Suriname have long been a cause for concern

The concerns about STIs in Suriname do not stand alone. Earlier this year, additional attention was already called for regarding HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. In May, a nationwide campaign was launched to encourage people to know their HIV status and get tested. Educational activities were also organised, with an emphasis on prevention and safe sexual contact.

Key News previously reported on the concerns over the increase in STI and HIV cases in Suriname. This also highlighted the importance of structural guidance and prevention, especially among young people. The recent signals from the Dermatologische Dienst reinforce the call to keep sexual health permanently on the public agenda.

Testing can help prevent further spread

The Dermatologische Dienst advises sexually active individuals not to think only about HIV. There are several STIs that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Some can be treated well when detected in time, but can cause health problems without treatment. Informing sexual partners and having them tested where necessary also plays an important role in preventing new infections.

According to Hordijk, people should make the threshold for seeking help as low as possible. Anyone with questions, symptoms or uncertainty following sexual contact is advised to contact an authorised health institution. The message from the Dermatologische Dienst is clear: do not wait until symptoms become serious and do not try to treat a possible infection yourself.

Prevention also begins before symptoms arise

According to the WHO, correct and consistent condom use remains one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of many sexually transmitted infections. At the same time, a condom does not offer complete protection against every STI. Knowledge of one’s own health, testing when there is a risk, and timely treatment therefore remain important parts of prevention. Partners must also be included when an infection is diagnosed.

For the approach to STIs in Suriname, the current warning means that education does not have to take place only through healthcare services. Schools, youth organisations, parents and other institutions that have frequent contact with young people can contribute to reliable information. It is important that young people can ask questions without judgement and know where they can receive professional help when needed.

Dermatologische Dienst continues to emphasise early action

According to the service, the increase in STIs in Suriname makes clear that testing, education and prevention must go hand in hand. The presence of cases among very young teenagers furthermore underlines that sexual health is not only a subject for adults, but also requires attention within families, schools and wider society.