HIV and STI infections still on the rise
New figures show the number of sexually transmitted infections reported in the UK rose last year, despite Government campaigns to raise awareness of their dangers.
In 2006, a total of 376,508 new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were diagnosed - up 2.4% on 2005.
The greatest proportion of infections were reported in young people aged 16-24 – who have been keenly targeted by nationwide television and radio campaigns.
The annual report on sexual health, published this morning by the Health Protection Agency also showed that an estimated 73,000 adults in the UK are now living with HIV.
HPA experts also warned of a growing rate of HIV and STI infection amongst gay men.
Professor Pete Borriello, director of the HPA's Centre for Infections, said while the figures were 'encouraging', the safe sex message was pertinent to all if the UK was going to lower the growing rates of HIV and STI infection.
'The control of HIV and STI transmission is a major public health challenge and testing for STIs, including HIV, in the UK needs to be increased still further.
'We recommend that gay men should have regular HIV tests, STI clinic attendees should be tested for HIV at every visit and young sexually active adults should be screened for chlamydia annually and after a partner change.'
