15.06.11
STIs down for first time in a decade
Figures from the Health Protection Agency show a small reduction in the number of sexually transmitted diseases recorded in the UK in 2010.
Although the drop is just 1%, the HPA said the reversal of an upward trend seen throughout the 2000s is a significant change.
Cases of chlamydia, genital warts and syphilis all fell, although there were more instances of gonorrhoea and genital herpes recorded.
Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of the HPA's STI section told the BBC: “It is particularly encouraging to see a decline in some STIs among young people. However, these latest figures show that the impact of STI diagnoses is still unacceptably high in this group.
“Studies suggest that those who become infected may be more likely to have unsafe sex or lack the skills and confidence to negotiate safer sex.
“Prevention efforts, such as greater STI screening coverage and easier access to sexual health services, should be sustained and continue to focus on groups at highest risk.”
Commenting on the study, Terrence Higgins Trust's Chief Executive, Sir Nick Partridge, said: "The decreases in STIs that we saw in 2010 are small, but very significant.
"We're finally beginning to see a slowing down in the rates of infections, particularly among young people, showing that the time and money that has been put into sexual health, and in particular chlamydia screening, in recent years is starting to pay off.
"We are at a vital tipping point but, with the national sexual health strategy of the last ten years now expired, Government leadership and local investment are crucial.”
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