Genital Herpes: A $35.3 Billion Economic Burden on the Global Economy

Genital herpes is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) that poses a significant economic burden globally, costing an estimated $35.3 billion annually.

This figure is highlighted in a study conducted by researchers from the University of Utah Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), which emphasizes the financial impact primarily associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

In 2016, HSV-2 was responsible for approximately $31.2 billion in costs, while HSV-1, which can also cause genital infections, contributed around $4 billion.

The majority of these expenses stemmed from recurrent outbreaks, with direct medical costs amounting to $22 billion and lost productivity adding another $12.3 billion.

If all individuals with symptomatic genital herpes sought treatment, experts estimate that the economic burden could nearly double.

The Western Pacific region and the Americas are particularly affected, representing 34.6% and 24.4% of the total costs, respectively.

High- and middle-income countries bear most of this burden, accounting for about 76.6% of the overall financial impact.

The study indicates that increased healthcare access and higher treatment costs in these regions contribute to the significant economic toll.

While many infected individuals experience mild symptoms or none at all, recurrent outbreaks can lead to significant declines in quality of life.

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), genital herpes is linked to over $800 million in treatment and productivity losses annually, with quality-of-life losses estimated at around $212 billion.

The implications extend further; individuals with HSV-2 face a threefold increased risk of contracting HIV, complicating public health efforts and necessitating a focus on both STIs.

Currently, there are no vaccines or cures for herpes, prompting calls for increased investment in vaccine research.

Experts argue that developing effective vaccines is essential to mitigate both health impacts and economic losses associated with this STI.

Martin McKee, a public health expert, emphasizes that effective vaccines should aim not only to prevent new infections but also to treat existing ones.

Elena Petelos from the European Public Health Association notes that policy decisions regarding herpes vaccines will likely depend on public demand and potential cost savings for healthcare systems. A successful vaccine could save billions by reducing treatment needs and preventing outbreaks.

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine further underscores the economic impact of genital herpes in LMICs, estimating that genital herpes contributed to more than $800 million in treatment and productivity losses in 2019 alone.

The authors also highlighted that nearly one-third of costs for antiretroviral medications and HIV-related wage losses could be attributed to HSV-2 infections.

The study's findings provide compelling evidence that despite the commonly held notion that HSV-2 is an innocuous infection, it can lead to substantial economic losses in LMICs. To address these impacts effectively, researchers argue that developing a vaccine against HSV-2 must be prioritized globally.