EACS2023: 653 Management of sexually transmitted infections in central and Eastern Europe: route to improvement D. Gökengin , M. Mert , A. Harxhi , K. Protopapas , V. Saveski , A. Cicic , J. Begovac , L. Sojac , C. Oprea , R. Matulionyte , Z. Bartovská , S. Antoniak , V. Krasniqi , V. Zvirbulis , V. Padovese , I. Alexiev , O. Turcanu , J. Kowalska Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey, Medical University of Tirana, Infectious Disease Department, Tirana, Albania, University Hospital "ATTIKON", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Athens, Greece, University Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions, Skopje, North Macedonia, The Republic of, Institute for Public Health of Montenegro, Montenegro, Montenegro, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia, Academic L. Derer’s University Hospital, Department of Infectology and Geographical Medicine, Center for Treatment of HIV/AIDS Patients, Bratislava, Slovakia, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babes Hospital, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania, Vilnius University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenerology, Vilnius, Lithuania, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Prague, Czech Republic, Gromashevsky Institute for Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Epidemiology And Infectious Diseases, Kyiv, Ukraine, Infectious Diseases Clinic, University Clinical Center Prishitina, Prishitina, Kosovo, Pauls Stradins Clinica University Hospital, Riga, Latvia, Genitourinary Clinic, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta, Malta, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria, Clinical Municipal Hospital "Gheorghe Paladi" Chisinau, Chişinău, Moldova, Republic of, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland General data Abstract category: Access and delivery of care Abstract body Purpose: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major global public health problem with a recent increasing trend in Europe. However, data from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is lacking. This study aims to analyze the current healthcare practices for STIs in the region. Method: Twenty-five countries in CEE were invited to respond to a survey including 26 questions on the management of STIs, existing issues with the current healthcare system in terms of STIs, and how to address them. Results: Twenty-two participiants from 21 countries (84%) responded. Ten countries (47.6%) did not have a national strategy for STIs and only 9 (42.8%) had genitourinary health clinics. Nine countries (42.8%) lacked a national guideline for STIs. Reporting was compulsory for gonorrhea in 19 (90.4%), chlamydia in 15 (71.4%), syphilis in all (100%), and HIV in 20 (95.2%) countries. While 20 (95.2%) countries had established routine screening protocols for blood and organ donors, only 3 (14.3%) had screening protocols for registered sex workers; 12 (57.1%) had no screening program targeting key populations (KPs). Ceftriaxone, metronidazole, azithromycin, and tetracycline were available in all countries; benzathine penicillin, crystalline penicillin, and procaine penicillin were not accessible in 3 (14.3%). STI treatment was fully reimbursed by the public healthcare system in 12 (57.1%) countries. Hepatitis A and B, HPV and Mpox vaccines were available in 8 (38.1%) countries; HPV vaccine was offered free of charge for everyone in 2 (9%) and 19 (90.4%) provided condoms free of charge. Table 1 shows the barriers for and actions to scale-up STI management. Table 1. Barriers for better management of STIs and proposed actions to scale-up management. Barriers for better management of STIs (n, %) Proposed actions to scale-up management of STIs (n, %) Stigma (19, 86.3%) Development of national strategies regarding STIs (13, 59%) Lack of preventive programs (15, 68.1%) Improving awareness among key populations (10, 45.4%) Lack of STI clinics (15, 68.1%) Improving availability and accessibility of diagnostic tools for STIs (10, 45.4%) STIs not prioritized by the government (13, 59%) Establishing dedicated STI clinics (10, 45.4%) Lack of awareness of the population (16, 72.7%) Providing access to free diagnosis and treatment (9, 40%) Conclusions: In the vast majority of CEE countries national strategies for STI management is either lacking or inadequate and usually fails to include KPs. Providing comprehensive screening, treatment, prevention and vaccination programs for all high risk populations is critical in the response to the growing numbers. General conditions 1. 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