Local councils in England are warning that sexual health services are at risk of collapsing following a disturbing rise in infections that are threatening to overwhelm the system. Government funding is being called for to address what has been called a “rebound effect” since Covid restrictions were lifted, as well as a long-term plan to improve preventative measures and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Figures from the government’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show an upward trend for nearly all council areas in England, with diagnoses of gonorrhoea increasingly being recorded in greater numbers across the country. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents the councils who run sexual health clinics, said it is struggling to meet the demand due to additional testing and services since the pandemic.
The concern goes beyond just the council area clinics, as nearly three-quarters of councils have seen an increase in rates of syphilis cases, while rates of chlamydia infections have also increased in over a third of areas. Experts believe that the impact of the Covid restrictions combine with greater awareness has led to these increases, and the quality and accessibility of clinics for STIs is said to be under threat if further investment in sexual health services is not secured.
LGA chairman, Councillor David Fothergill, says the challenging statistics demonstrate the increased demand for sexual health services. He says investment in these services helps to reduce pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) by preventing long-term health issues and unwanted pregnancy. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said the government has already allocated over £3.5 billion this year to public services, including sexual health services, and that funding will increase over the next three years.
However, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV has warned that without sufficient funding, patients will face challenges accessing timely and expert care. Further, they warn that if action is not taken to address the alarming trends of STI growth, the country will compromise its ability to safeguard the nation’s sexual health
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