New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have revealed that sexual health services in England are under new pressures, with the report showing that 4.5 million consultations took place in 2024, up from 2.9 million in 2013.
The data shows that syphilis cases rose by two per cent in 2024 compared to 2023 and, although there was a 16 per cent drop in gonorrhoea cases, ceftriaxone-resisjtant gonorrhoea cases are becoming more frequent. Ceftriaxone is the main antibiotic used to treat the disease, and fourteen resistant cases have been recorded in the first half of 2015. This is greater than the number of cases reported for the whole of 2024, at thirteen.
Encouraging, chlamydia diagnoses additionally decreased by 13 per cent in 2024, compared to 2023. Yet, the surge in demand has led to local councils urging the government to implement a long-term national sexual health strategy.
The Local Government Association (LGA), representing councils responsible for commissioning sexual health services, is concerned that demand will surge beyond councils’ capability, which could lead to longer wait times and reduced access to timely care.
The LGA is thus calling for a comprehensive ten-year sexual health strategy to tackle rising infection rates and ensure services are sustainably funded and properly resourced for the foreseeable future.
Councillor David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “These statistics show that local sexual health services are grappling with significant increases in demand.
“Without adequate treatment, people will face growing barriers to accessing expert, timely care.
“The government must use next week’s Spending Review to boost funding for sexual health services in line with this sharp rise in need.
“Councils have worked so hard to promote regular testing and early detection, which are vital for preventing the spread of infections and improving public health outcomes.
“Investing in sexual health services not only reduces long-term illness and unplanned pregnancies, but also eases pressure on the NHS and enhances the wellbeing of our communities.”
