Shocking rise in STIs must push the Government into action - Randerson

1.13.50pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Jul 2008

Jenny Randerson is concerned that the Government is not doing enough to improve sexual health

Welsh Lib Dem Spokesperson for Health Jenny Randerson AM has urged the Assembly Government to address the failure of sexual health policy following the huge rise in the number of STIs across the UK.

The figures show a 6% rise in the number of number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) being diagnosed across the UK, with young people aged 16-24 accounting for half of all newly diagnosed STIs.

Jenny Randerson said: "These figures are deeply worrying. We need a revolution when it comes to sexual health in this country and I hope that Wales will lead the way on this. There is an urgent need for more education on sex and relationships, better sexual health services and more money on research.

The fact that half of new cases are found amongst young people shows that previous approaches are failing and we are not getting through to young people. The Minister needs to address why this is the case and work with a variety of agencies to bring about a sea-change in sexual health in Wales."

Notes

1. The figures were released by the UK Health Protection Agency www.hpa.org.uk

Ends/