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The number of STD consultations at the Sexual Health Centers (CSG) fell by 8 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Women and heterosexual men in particular were diagnosed less often , according to the latest figures from the Institute. There was also a decline among men who have sex with men (MSM), but it was less significant.
The exact reason is unclear, but the high cost of STD consultations appears to be an important factor. This means that the CSGs can help fewer people with the budget they receive. Priority is now given to groups at greater risk, such as people in PrEP care, MSM and people with changing sexual relationships.
There are still many gonorrhea diagnoses
Although the number of consultations decreased, the detection rate of STDs remained the same. Gonorrhea in particular is still a source of attention: the percentage of consultations with a diagnosis of gonorrhea is much higher than in previous years. For women this was 4.1 percent in the first half of 2024 and for heterosexual men it was 3.5 percent. For comparison: between 2015 and 2021 this was still around 2 percent.
More HIV diagnostics
In addition, the CSGs noted more new HIV diagnoses in the first half of 2024: 94, compared to 68 in the same period last year. The increase is particularly visible in large cities and is partly due to effective information campaigns by the GGD, which target at-risk groups.
By: National Health Care Guidelines / Johanne Levinsky
2024-11-22 07:00:00
#STD #consultations #gonorrhea #remains #persistent #problem
**What actions can [policymakers] take to ensure [affordable access to sexual health services]?**
## World Today News: Interview on STD Consultations and Trends
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today we’ll be discussing the recent trends in STD consultations and diagnoses. We’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, a leading infectious disease specialist, and Ms. Sarah Jones, a community outreach worker focused on sexual health.
**Section 1: Declining Consultations**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, the article mentions an 8% decrease in STD consultations at Sexual Health Centers (CSG) compared to last year. What are your thoughts on this decline, and what factors might be contributing to it?
**Dr. Carter:** While it’s encouraging to see a decrease in consultations, we need to delve deeper into the reasons behind it. Is this a true reflection of lower STD rates, or are there barriers preventing people from seeking testing and treatment? Cost, stigma, and lack of awareness are all possibilities we need to consider.
**Host:** Ms. Jones, from your work in the community, what are you hearing about access to sexual health services?
**Ms. Jones:** We’re seeing firsthand the impact of high consultation costs. Many people, especially those without insurance or stable income, are struggling to afford testing and treatment. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and potentially more serious health complications.
**Section 2: Persistent Challenges: Gonorrhea and HIV**
**Host:** Despite the decline in consultations, the article highlights a persistent problem with gonorrhea, with diagnoses still significantly higher than previous years. Dr. Carter, what makes gonorrhea such a challenging issue, and what strategies can be implemented to combat its spread?
**Dr. Carter:** Gonorrhea is notorious for its ability to develop antibiotic resistance. This makes treatment increasingly difficult. We need to focus on prevention through comprehensive sexual education, condom use, and regular testing. Investing in research for new antimicrobial drugs is also crucial.
**Host:** Ms. Jones, how are community outreach programs addressing the issue of gonorrhea, particularly among vulnerable populations?
**Ms. Jones:** We work closely with community partners to provide free or low-cost testing and treatment options. We also conduct education workshops and awareness campaigns to empower individuals to take control of their sexual health.
**Host:** It’s encouraging to see the article mentions an increase in HIV diagnoses, particularly in cities, is attributed to effective targeted information campaigns.
**Ms. Jones:** Yes, targeted outreach has proven successful in reaching at-risk groups and encouraging testing. Continuous funding for these campaigns is essential for stemming the spread of HIV.
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: Future Strategies and Policy**
**Host:** what steps can be taken to ensure everyone has access to affordable and comprehensive sexual health services?
**Dr. Carter:** Government subsidies to lower the cost of consultations and treatments are critical. We also need to invest in public health infrastructure, increase access to sexual health education in schools, and reduce stigma surrounding STDs.
**Ms. Jones:** Community-based organizations play a vital role in bridging the gap in access to care. Sustaining funding for these organizations and involving them in policymaking decisions is crucial to shaping effective solutions.
**Host:** Thank you both for shedding light on this important topic. We hope this discussion will encourage continued dialog and action on sexual health issues.
