Divergent trends of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), syphilis, and gonorrhea in China: a national age-period-cohort analysis, 2006–2020

HIV/AIDS and syphilis present growing threats in China, disproportionately affecting young adults and older populations, with increasing burden in recent birth cohorts. Although gonorrhea shows overall decline, its rise in adolescents warrants attention. A tiered prevention strategy is recommended: enhanced screening and education for HIV/syphilis in high-risk groups and regions, alongside sustained gonorrhea surveillance in key populations.