touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES were thrilled to speak with Professor Barbara Van Der Pol (Professor of Medicine and Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL) about her perspectives on recent advances in sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnostic tools, management and breaking social barriers in sexual health.
Prof Van Der Pol specializes in health behaviours and healthcare utilization. She also directs a laboratory dedicated to the exploration and evaluation of diagnostic tools and technologies. A significant part of her work involves assisting companies in securing FDA claims to distribute their diagnostic products in the USA, thereby promoting broader access to essential healthcare tools. Prof Van Der Pol is particularly passionate about addressing the challenges posed by STIs, which she believes are often worsened by a lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding these conditions.
In addition to her academic and laboratory roles, she serves as President of the International Society for STD Research (ISSTDR), is former President of the American STD Association and is a member of the executive committee of the International Union Against STIs (IUSTI). Through these leadership positions, she works to enhance global understanding and management of STIs.
What are the latest exciting breakthroughs in current STI management and diagnosis?
When I think about recent advances in STI research, I’m always drawn to diagnostics. As a laboratorian, I’m passionate about new technologies that allow us to reach more people. One of the most exciting developments is self-testing, which enables individuals to determine their infection status privately, much like a home pregnancy test. While self-tests for HIV have been available for years, we now have a self-test for syphilis. This is a significant advancement for specific populations at disproportionate risk of exposure to syphilis. These tools also allow us to provide testing in nontraditional settings, such as correctional facilities, detention centres and underserved communities.
In my work, I am focusing on deploying mobile units and community health workers to reach reproductive-age women, aiming to combat congenital syphilis, a preventable but growing issue. These point-of-care tests make it possible to provide care in shelters, for unhoused individuals, and in other vulnerable populations. For many people, healthcare often falls low on their list of priorities when they’re struggling to meet basic needs like shelter and food. By bringing free, accessible testing to these populations, we can make a significant difference in reducing disease prevalence.
In lower- and middle-income countries, there’s also progress with diagnostic tools for infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. While these are still primarily used in healthcare facilities, I’m optimistic that soon they’ll be available in nontraditional settings, making testing and treatment even more accessible. Normalizing STI testing, much like pregnancy testing, is crucial for widespread impact.
Another STI control strategy that is newer is the use of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis for syphilis. This effort has shown promise in reducing syphilis rates among men who have sex with men, there are concerns about the increased use of antibiotics and the potential for antimicrobial resistance. Implementation science is critical here to measure both the benefits and potential downsides of this approach.
How does the International Society for STD Research (ISSTDR) contribute to advancing STI research and promoting global collaboration in sexual health?
As President of the International Society for STD Research, I’m proud to lead an organization dedicated to disseminating cutting-edge research and promoting best practices in the field. Our biannual meetings bring together experts from around the world to discuss key issues, such as the rollout of new technologies and the importance of community engagement. Advocating for STI prevention can be challenging, especially compared to diseases like HIV/AIDS, but the economic and public health burden of STIs is undeniable. They remain some of the most common infectious diseases globally, and preventing them also helps reduce HIV transmission.
Our society works closely with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve access to diagnostics in under-resourced areas, including remote regions in the US and refugee camps. These areas often lack the necessary infrastructure to manage STIs effectively. By collaborating with WHO, we aim to develop and implement diagnostic standards that can be applied globally.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming STI & HIV 2025 World Congress?
I’m particularly excited about our upcoming ISSTDR meeting in Montreal, which will focus on Sexual Health for All. We’re working to ensure representation from underserved communities, such as Canada’s First Nations. At our 2023 meeting, we actively engaged younger researchers and professionals from low- and middle-income countries by offering scholarships and networking opportunities.
Having been involved with ISSTDR since 1989, I’ve seen firsthand the society’s commitment to fostering collaboration and inclusivity. I’m passionate about advancing STI research and addressing disparities in sexual health. Through my leadership and advocacy, I hope to make a lasting impact on public health and the fight against STIs.
Disclosures: Barbara Van Der Pol has no financial or non-financial conflicts of interest to declare in relation to this article.Â
Cite: Van Der Pol, B. Prof Barbara Van Der Pol: A Voice for Change in Sexual Health. touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES. 18 December, 2024.
