Syphilis still spreading
Today's news from the Health Protection Agency that the number of syphilis infections is still increasing is a wake-up call to the government over the poor funding of sexual health services, says DELGA chair Jen Yockney. The number of infections nationwide has spiralled from 333 in 2000 to 2,807 in 2005.
"Keeping up the message on safer sex is only a part of the solution," Jen commented. "It is also time to address the problems in accessing sexual health services. The current situation, where many people find they have to wait more than a month before even being seen, can only contribute to the spread of syphilis and other STIs."