The rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a major and increasing public health concern.
In 2023, we saw the highest number of gonorrhoea diagnoses on record, and the highest number of syphilis diagnoses since 1948.
Rates of new STI diagnosis are consistently highest within certain population groups, including young people aged 15 to 24, black ethnic populations, people residing in the most deprived areas, and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
These infections can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Furthermore, STIs are still the cause of significant stigma and emotional distress.
The nature of health harms and the impact of inequalities experienced between population groups make STIs a significant and costly public health problem.
In conjunction with partners across the public health system, the UK Health Security Agency is working hard to address the harm caused by STIs and the inequalities that are becoming more pronounced. That is why we have now published the STI Prioritisation Framework.
This evidence-based framework – developed in consultation with stakeholders including the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, the Association of Directors of Public Health and the LGA – will aid those who are planning and delivering sexual health services to refocus efforts on reducing the harms caused by these infections and tackle health inequalities.
The STI Prioritisation Framework is laid out in three clear stages, S, T and I: situation, target groups, and interventions.
This will encourage sexual health commissioners and providers to understand their local situation, before identifying which infections and which population groups to focus on, and then tailoring the necessary interventions for those populations, such as vaccination, targeted testing and encouraging condom use.
By using our resources most effectively, we can ensure that we are having the greatest impact on the harm caused by these preventable infections and reduce health inequalities, and I would encourage people to make use of this valuable framework.
- Find out more about the work of the UK Health Security Agency.