This talk is part of the series Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Global Perspective. Genital herpes remains one of the most prevalent STDs in the U.S. and the world. Minor and major morbidity and, rarely, mortality can occur following infections. HSV (Herpes simple virus) can also be a major factor which facilitates HIV transmission, and may infect newborns via perinatal transmission. There are effective methods to prevent transmission through behavioral, barrier or pharmaceutical means. This session will discuss the epidemiology, transmissibility, natural history, and management of the HSV infections.