Relevance. The level of incidence of syphilis is considered to be a marker of the epidemiological well-being of a society for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and measures to prevent its spread are one of the main problems in successfully interrupting the epidemiological chain. The aim of research. To study the factors influencing the spread of STI and the role of normative documents in the prevention of their spread. Material and methods. A content analysis was conducted of normative and legal acts on the prevention of the spread of STIs and a retrospective analysis of the incidence of syphilis in different historical periods in Russia and abroad. Main results. STIs still represent a medical and social problem. Their spread are influenced by migration flows, uncontrolled self-medication, widespread network of private (non-governmental) medical organizations, abandonment of the previous successful principles of combating sexually transmitted diseases, evolution of social upheavals and low detection rate during preventive examinations, representing the urgency of world health problems. A characteristic feature of the incidence of syphilis are changes in its structure towards an increase in late forms and regional differences in the structure and level of morbidity. In this connection, normative documents of all-Russian and regional significance are issued on the prevention of their spread. Despite this, the global health sector strategy to prevent the spread of STIs remains relevant. Conclusion. STIs, especially syphilis, represent a medical and social problem, and therefore control over their spread is one of the primary tasks of health care organizers. Conclusions. Rising global financial and economic crisis may lead to a new wave of rise in the incidence of syphilis and, undoubtedly, lead for the global importance of the development of a national strategy for the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections. The levers of influence on the epidemiological situation and control over the spread of STIs should be built taking into account regional characteristics, medical and social characteristics and the structure of morbidity.