This intervention-linked research aimed to (1) rapidly reduce the prevalence of common, curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Angeles City, Philippines, and (2) maintain STI reductions over time.

A targeted strategy was employed with a single round of azithromycin presumptive treatment given to all female sex workers reached during one month. Preventive and curative services for sex workers were strengthened as were outreach efforts and peer education for freelance sex workers. A total of 1,938 sex workers received preventive treatment and 1,651 were randomly selected for the assessment surveys during three evaluation rounds.

The study concluded that significant reductions in the prevalence of common, curable STIs are possible when effective interventions reach core groups such as sex workers. In Angeles City, a single round of presumptive antibiotic treatment had a short-term impact on STI prevalence that was proportional to coverage. Longer-term maintenance of STI control requires establishment of effective preventive and curative service.