Canary Islands Experts Urge New Infectious Disease Specialty Amid Rising Health Threats
Medical professionals in the Canary Islands are calling for the formal recognition of infectious diseases as a medical specialty to combat rising STI rates, antibiotic resistance, and the health risks associated with international travel.
Spain’s healthcare system is at a turning point as it faces three major challenges: a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria, and the unique risks posed by regions with high levels of international travel. This weekend, the Canary Islands Association of Infectious Diseases (Asocaei) will meet in Puerto de la Cruz to discuss how global travel and changing social habits are altering the landscape of infectious diseases in the islands.
The islands are seeing a worrying rise in syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, mirroring a trend across the rest of Spain. Óscar Sanz, president of Asocaei, notes that while some groups are more at risk, the problem is widespread. He points to a decline in risk awareness—particularly among young people—and a decrease in the use of protection. This suggests that current public health and sex education campaigns are no longer as effective as they once were and need to be re-evaluated.
At the same time, hospitals are warning that antibiotic resistance has become a major health crisis. Because of the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, many bacteria have become resistant, leaving doctors with fewer effective treatments. Experts warn that this "hidden epidemic" makes routine medical procedures—such as surgeries, cancer treatments, and care for patients with weak immune systems—much more dangerous and complex.
The Canary Islands face additional challenges due to their role as a major hub for tourism and international travel. Managing imported diseases is a strategic priority for public health, as demonstrated by the early arrival of COVID-19 in La Gomera.
Given these issues, medical professionals are calling for the formal recognition of "Infectious Diseases" as a medical specialty in Spain, a move already adopted by most other EU countries. Specialists argue that this would provide a clear legal framework for the work already being done in hospitals, help attract and retain talent, and ensure a more coordinated, high-quality response to infectious diseases across the country.