Lambeth STI Rate One Of The Worst In England

Lambeth has some of the highest diagnosis rates for sexually transmitted infections in England, new data reveals.

The borough was in the worst 25% of local authorities in the country for rates of gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital warts and chlamydia in those over 25 in 2018, according to the latest data by Public Health England.

A total of 2,822 people have been diagnosed with gonorrhoea in Lambeth, which is used as a marker by Public Health England for rates of unsafe sexual activity due to infections being more likely to result in symptoms than other STIs.

Lambeth Council, which is responsible for public health in the borough, claims these high rates “partly reflect our young, diverse and mobile populations” and “modern and accessible STI testing and treatment”.

A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: “The borough has been at the forefront of modernising sexual health services, including integrating STI testing and treatment services with contraceptive services. 

“We also introduced online STI testing locally before London as a whole set up a similar service. At this time of restricted access to face to face services, access to online testing and treatment of STIs has been ramped up to enable people to self-manage wherever possible.

“If people have symptoms of STIs, they can always phone their nearest sexual health clinic.”

To find out more and order a free home testing kit go to Lambeth Council’s website.