NMDOH attributes the declines to expanded community outreach, increasing testing and treatment, promoting the use of Doxy PEP—a medication taken after unprotected sex to reduce STI risk (post-exposure prevention medication) — and partnerships with community, medical and Tribal organizations.
Source: N.M. Department of Health
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) marked STI Awareness Week with encouraging news: syphilis rates in New Mexico fell 18.6% from 2024 to 2025, while congenital syphilis—a serious condition passed from mother to newborn—declined 32.4% over the same period.
The department also reported:
- Chlamydia rates declined 5.1%
- Gonorrhea rates declined 6.1%
According to NMDOH, the improvements are linked to expanded community outreach, increased testing and treatment, promotion of Doxy PEP, and partnerships with community, medical, and Tribal organizations.
“STIs don’t always cause symptoms which is why getting an STI test is important if you are sexually active,” said Janine Waters, STD Program Manager for NMDOH. “All STIs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable. New Mexicans can contact their local public health office for free testing and treatment.”
Prevention and Early Detection Remain Key
Health officials say residents can reduce risk by:
- Using condoms consistently and correctly
- Getting vaccinated for hepatitis B and HPV when appropriate
- Talking with a healthcare provider about Doxy PEP (post-exposure prevention medication)
- Asking whether STI and HIV testing is appropriate
- Considering PrEP for HIV prevention, when indicated
Resources Available
NMDOH says several free or no-cost resources are available:
Free testing, treatment, and prevention support
State public health offices provide free STI testing and treatment, as well as PrEP and Doxy PEP.
NMDOH Nurse Helpline
Call 833-796-8773
Text NMDOH (66364)
The helpline provides:
- No-cost PrEP and Doxy PEP prescriptions
- Connections to services
- Support resources for clinicians
Find testing and treatment:
www.nmstdtest.org
At-home testing:
Take Me Home offers free, discreet in-home sexual health tests, along with basic support resources following a possible positive result.
Additional information:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- nmhealth.org
Why Health Officials Are Highlighting This Now
Public health officials say the declines are encouraging, but stress that progress depends on continued awareness, testing, prevention, and treatment.
One of the central messages of STI Awareness Week is straightforward: many infections may not cause symptoms, which makes testing especially important.
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