England’s local authorities have been urged to do more to reduce the rate of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and slash the number of unwanted pregnancies. Local authorities are now in charge of public health and must use the budget they are given by central government to improve sexual health outcomes in their area.
Their biggest challenge will be to reduce STIs, in particular HIV infections, which are continuing to rise. Cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis are also increasing. Unwanted pregnancies remain an issue, even though the level of teenage pregnancies has been cut over recent years.
Public Health Minister Anna Soubry says local authorities must work harder to improve sexual health across England, calling for “a more open and honest culture around sex and relationships”.
The UK Government wants better access to sexual health services for everyone and wants counselling offered to any woman who is seeking an abortion. It is also calling for greater efforts in the prevention of STIs and HIV with more people in what are known as high-risk categories being tested for HIV.
To this end, the Department of Health has devised a framework for sexual health. It outlines the ambitions expected to be achieved by England’s local authorities now that they have responsibility for better sexual health outcomes.
Along with reducing STI and HIV infection, cutting unwanted pregnancies and providing a more open and honest culture around sexual health, the sexual health framework also wants quick access to sexual health services that are both confidential and integrated; and better early and more effective diagnosis of STIs. The framework also calls on local authorities to continue to tackle any stigma and prejudice linked to sexual health matters so individuals do not feel discriminated against when they seek advice and treatment.
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