Local councils, responsible for managing sexual health clinics, are sounding the alarm over the critical state of sexual health services in England. Rising infection rates, particularly in cases of gonorrhoea, are posing a severe threat to the capacity of these services, prompting councils to call for additional government funding.

The Local Government Association (LGA), representing councils overseeing sexual health clinics, reveals that over two-thirds of council areas have witnessed a surge in infections since 2017. The Department of Health has allocated over £3.5 billion to local public health services this year, but the LGA insists that this may not be sufficient to meet the escalating demand.

Data from the government's Office for Health Improvement and Disparities underscores the concerning trend, indicating an increase in gonorrhoea diagnosis rates in nearly every council area in England. With demand for sexual health services skyrocketing, councils are struggling to cope, prompting a plea for urgent intervention from the government.

The LGA is calling on the government not only to provide extra funding but also to unveil a comprehensive, long-term plan aimed at preventing and treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Councils report a surge in syphilis cases in almost three-quarters of areas and a rise in chlamydia infections in over a third of regions.

While the majority of new cases involve younger individuals, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, heterosexual populations are also experiencing increased infection rates. Experts posit that post-Covid restrictions, there may be a rebound effect contributing to the rise in infections. However, it's crucial to note that STI rates were escalating even before the pandemic.

Efforts to combat the spread of infections include a more comprehensive testing approach and improved accessibility to sexual health services. This increased testing may account for the identification of more cases, but the strain on services remains evident.

The urgency of the situation necessitates immediate action, with the LGA emphasising the need for a collaborative effort to address the current crisis in sexual health services and to develop strategies that safeguard the well-being of the population.

‍