Sexually Transmitted Infection Surveillance Network (SSuN) Cycle 5

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the availability of funding for the 2024 fiscal year to support the fifth cycle of the Sexually Transmitted Infection Surveillance Network (SSuN). The initiative arises from a growing need for extensive surveillance for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including emergent concerns like monkeypox (referred to as mpox) and antimicrobial resistant STIs. The primary focus is to apply a syndemic approach in monitoring STIs and related epidemics, such as HIV, at federal, state, and local levels.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) emphasizes the need for exhaustive sentinel surveillance and enhanced community-level surveillance, particularly in sexual health clinical settings. The information gathered will be instrumental in identifying risk demographics, behavioral risk factors, clinical data, and gaps in preventive services. Additionally, through this initiative, the CDC aims to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding STI prevention measures, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of public health agencies in tackling STIs/HIV and boosting health equity outcomes.

The NOFO outlines two core strategies: sentinel surveillance in STI/sexual health clinical facilities (Strategy A) and enhanced community-based case surveillance (Strategy B). Besides, it also provides for a supplemental strategy involving special surveillance projects of national or local significance (Strategy C).

The ultimate goal of this funding opportunity is to closely observe and report patient-based trends in STI/HIV screening and diagnosis, hence identifying areas in need of reinforcement. It intends to offer local flexibility while addressing crucial gaps in national case reporting by supporting a diverse network of health departments and clinical partners geographically. The intention is that this funding will supplement existing local, state, and national surveillance strategies, augmenting the capacity of health departments to collect efficient, timely data, critical for effective disease prevention and control efforts.