Threefold increase in sexual infections

HALF of the country’s health regions have shown a high increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to figures just released.

Overall, three times as many STIs (9,982) were reported in 2006 compared to 2005 (3,365), prompting concern from professionals working to promote sexual health who say that more investment is urgently needed in prevention and education.

The rise in STIs in 2006 compared to 2005 was at 56% in the north-east, 55% in the south-east, 44% in the midlands and 31% in the north-west. Meanwhile, there was an increase of 0.5% in the east and falls of 6% and 2% in the numbers reported in the south and west, respectively. No figures are available for the mid-west.