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Research reveals enormous global economic impact of genital herpes

8 July 2024
Faculty of Medicine
Research reveals enormous global economic impact of genital herpes
Chiang Mai, July 3, 2024 – Ajaree Rayanakorn, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, is a co-researcher in a research project on global economic impact of genital herpes. The study was led by Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk, PharmD, PhD, Professor of the University of Utah, in collaboration with the World Health Organization alongside other researchers from Monash University Malaysia, Mahidol University, and Bristol University. The research paper is published in the journal BMC Global and Public Health, on July 2, 2024 (Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s44263-024-00053-6).
The study covers 194 countries categorized by WHO regions and World Bank income levels. It is the first ever global estimates of economic costs caused by genital herpes infections and their related complications. The research estimates the global economic impact of genital herpes and suggests the urgent needs for the prevention of herpes transmission. The key findings reveal that every year genital herpes infections lead to billions of international dollars (I$) in health care expenditures and productivity losses. Thus there is a critical need for accelerated development of effective HSV vaccines. Current treatment, such as antiviral drugs, can alleviate symptoms but do not prevent transmission or recurrence of the infection. A safe and efficacious vaccine could significantly reduce the health and economic burden of HSV infections globally.
More information on herpes: https://www.who.int/…/fact…/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
Let’s Talk Herpes video explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_r36QCnTPY
Email: ajaree.rayanakorn@cmu.ac.th
Telephone: +66 5393 5359
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