Local Epidemic Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

5.07.03

Safe Sex message not getting over

Edward Davey Local MP for Kingston has expressed serious concern over the recent figures on the Borough's sexual health published by Kingston Hospital calling them 'extremely worrying'.

The new figures show that, even in the context of what the House of Commons Health Select Committee called a "crisis", the Kingston and Surbiton area has seen a veritable epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases.

The figures from Kingston Hospital clinic show that in the five years 1996-2001 there was a growth of 927% in local cases of chlamydia (108% nationally), 118% for herpes (12% nationally), 393% for gonorrhoea (86% nationally). Only in the case of infectious syphilis (400% rise) was the trend below the national average (500%). There is also an alarming growth in HIV infection (200% in three years).

Edward Davey MP commented:

"These figures alarmed me as well as surprised me. More people locally need to be aware of what is happening so we can redouble efforts to turn back this tide.

"The message of safe sex is clearly not getting over. People need to know the risks they face and the dangers they are posing to their partners and themselves when they don't practice safe sex.

"It is clear from the report that the local NHS and Kingston's Wolverton clinic especially is being overwhelmed and cannot cope with the demand.

"We know we can succeed against these diseases, because past awareness and education campaigns and good preventative healthcare have worked. But the first step is to acknowledge the problem exists and is serious"