National Coalition of STD Directors

• Chlamydia is the number one most commonly reported disease in the US.
  
  
• It is often asymptomatic in both men and women therefore the vast majority of cases go unreported.
  
  
• An estimated three million people contract chlamydia each year.
  
  
• Although preventable and curable, chlamydia is the leading cause of infertility among women.
  
  
• After a decade of decline, rates seem to be on the increase in 2002. This increase can be seen in almost every region of the country.
  
  
• The annual cost of direct treatment for chlamydia is nearly $400 million dollars.*
  
  
• Teenagers account for 40% of all chlamydia cases; this presents a teachable moment for messages about abstinence, safety and other STD prevention methods.

Where we are today in the fight against chlamydia

• With current programs in place we are reaching only 28% of women at risk in our 30 most populous states. In the remaining 20 states, we reach 50% of women at risk.
  
  
• We are requesting $41.5 million in new funds to increase that percentage to 75% of women at risk, throughout the country.