A sexual health and HIV strategy for England
BMJ 2001; 323 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.323.7307.243 (Published 04 August 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;323:243
This ambitious strategy could, if properly resourced, greatly improve sexual health
- George Kinghorn, consultant physician in genitourinary medicine
- Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF
News p 250
The Department of Health last month produced a comprehensive framework for England for preventing the sexual causes of premature death and ill health.1 The key objectives of the strategy are to ensure that all individuals have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve positive sexual health and that services should be readily available to all who require them. The specific aims are to reduce the undiagnosed prevalence and transmission of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, to reduce unintended pregnancies, and to improve social and health care for people with HIV. The proposals will increase the role of primary care and strengthen links between specialist services and other local agencies. The strategy is comprehensive—but it looks overambitious for the resources allocated to it.
Main recommendations
Prevention
New public education campaign from 2002
Targeted local prevention campaigns
More responsive national helplines
Development of evidence base for sexual health promotion
Standards and targets
National standards for sexual health services
Development of care pathways
HIV testing to be encouraged
Targets to reduce incidence of HIV and gonorrhoea by 2007
Services
Widened role for primary care
Closer working between primary and secondary care
Improved access to genitourinary medicine services
Increased community role for sexual health advisers
Managed clinical networks for HIV and other services
Targeted chlamydia screening to begin …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.