Public health bosses call for action on sexual health

Together with the English HIV and Sexual Health Commissioners’ Group (EHSHCG) and Local Government Association (LGA), we are urging the Government to commit to a new ten-year sexual and reproductive health strategy.

The new report, ‘A blueprint for the future’, launched at an event being attended by officials from the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England, sets out the case for long-term sustainable investment in funding and resources to meet the continuing rise in demand for services.

It also outlines the stark differences in sexual health across the population, with young people under 25, gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men, and black and minority ethnic groups often disproportionately affected.

Greg Fell, ADPH President, said:

“Good sexual health enables healthy relationships, planned pregnancies and prevention of disease, while sexual ill-health can have a devastating impact on physical and mental health. Yet, despite this complex issue affecting the whole population, there are currently unfair and avoidable differences in sexual health outcomes between different groups of society.

“Over the last ten years we have seen a significant increase in demand for sexual and reproductive health services. We have also seen huge successes and innovation and staff on the ground do an amazing job to provide support in a safe, non-judgemental environment. However, over the same period of time, the public health grant, which funds sexual health services, has been subject to consistent real-terms cuts. That is an untenable position. The Government must commit to developing this vital public health service so we can provide advice and treatment to everyone, regardless of their background.”

The report, which builds on 2022’s ‘Breaking Point’ report, advocates for a whole system approach and makes recommendations around funding, commissioning, quality standards, and workforce development.

James Woolgar, EHSHCG Chair, said:

“Councils have been working hard, with all stakeholders and partners, to maintain and improve access for their residents to sexual, reproductive health and HIV services. To try and meet demand, we have engaged in one of the biggest modernisation exercises in the history of public health, including the shift to online consultations and home testing and sampling. However, there is emerging evidence that (with consultations increasing) we have met previously unmet need with some of this innovation, and challenges like inequitable access to testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and contraception remain.

“It is therefore vital that we receive clear direction from the Government, via a new national sexual and reproductive health strategy backed by appropriate resources, to improve sexual health outcomes across the country, and crucially to reduce the inequalities we are seeing.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

“The effects of sexual ill-health are far reaching, and for those affected, the impacts can be compounded by ongoing stigma and lack of understanding and support. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that we ensure there is a comprehensive offer that rightly allows all citizens and communities requiring access, to do just that.

“With latest figures showing sexual health services continue to face rising demand pressures, this is yet more evidence as to why we need a ten-year strategy to tackle infection rates, and ensure that sexual health services are properly funded and resourced in the long-term.”