Funding levels announced by the Government as part of its National Strategy on Sexual Health fall short of those required to tackle the UK’s burgeoning STD problem effectively. So says fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association) at the launch of their Sexual Health Week (August 5-11th).
The total number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK in 2000 was 621,489, a rise of 33% from the 1995 total of 465,476. The Government have allocated £47.5 million to implement the Sexual Health Strategy over its first two years, an inadequate figure according to fpa Chief Executive Anne Weyman: “This is a step in the right direction, but services require sustained investment to deliver real improvements. We're concerned at the priority given to funding of sexual health services at both national and local level.”
“The key to long-term reduction in STI rates is a robust combination of increased resources, improved services, earlier, more effective sex and relationships education and brave public education campaigns. We're pleased the Government is taking action in these areas, but there's still much to be done.”
fpa is marking Sexual Health Week with a number of campaigns aimed at the at-risk general public and at health professionals. For more information visit the fpa website.
You can also read many of NAM’s sexual health resources online here at aidsmap.com:
- To view NAM Factsheets on sexually transmitted infections click here.
- For details of sexual health clinics in your area click here.
- To learn more about condoms and lubricants click here.