THT Hits Target For Chlamydia Testing In Barking & Dagenham, But Must Get A Quarter Of Under 25s Testing By 2010

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 19 Jun 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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NHS Barking and Dagenham and HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) have achieved a national target by encouraging over 17% of under-25s in the region to test for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia. To tackle chlamydia in the area, more young people need to come forward for testing and continue testing on a regular basis - the target for 2009/2010 is 25%.

To combat increasing rates of undiagnosed chlamydia, the Government established the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) in England, setting a yearly national target for young people to come forward for testing. The NCSP is aimed at young people under 25, a group in which approximately one in ten currently has undiagnosed chlamydia. Part of the reason chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms, and it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

THT worked closely with NHS Barking and Dagenham to achieve the 2008/2009 target of 17%, using a series of initiatives including focused outreach work at schools, colleges, and youth groups. As a result of the programme, 28% of young people in the region have been encouraged to take a test, and those who tested positive were treated with antibiotics.

Adam Wilkinson, THT's Regional Delivery Manager for London, said: "We're pleased to have encouraged so many young people in Barking & Dagenham to take a chlamydia test. This is a great start on bringing infection rates down in the region, but we still need more people to come forward if we're to significantly reduce undiagnosed chlamydia.

"A lot of young people assume that taking an STI test is painful or embarrassing, but these days it can all be done through a urine sample, with the results in a week. We hope that, by showing young people how easy it is, they will not only be encouraged to come back for repeat testing each year, but will also encourage their mates to take the test."

Dr Justin Varney, Joint Assistant Director of Health Improvement at NHS Barking & Dagenham said: "Chlamydia testing for under 25yr olds is about giving young people access and choice to detect, prevent and treat a sexually transmitted disease which can lead to infertility if not treated.

"We hope that by putting testing into places like leisure centres, GP practices and youth centres, we can take some of the stigma out of testing. Getting tested is a positive step young people can take for free to improve their health and protect their futures. We hope that young people take advantage of it."

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust