Emerging impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on sexual health in Lebanon

Dear Editor,

Lebanon registered its first COVID-19 case on 21 February 2020, which was followed by a nationwide lockdown (15 March–8 June), resulting in strict curfews, the prohibition of public gatherings and the closure of the international airport in Beirut.1 The pandemic has had compounding effects on the political and economic crisis with severe economic and health consequences.2

Throughout the lockdown, one of the largest sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV clinics in Beirut with linkages to major civil organisations in direct contact with sexual health beneficiaries has remained open for emergencies such as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV and STI testing in people exposed to risk. Access to remote consultations has also been available. The clinic has noted a major reduction in STI testing rates. Only 26 screenings were recorded in the lockdown period, which contrasts with the 97 screenings conducted during the same period of 2019…

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