Sexual Health needs proper funding

6.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jul 2008

Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP

Commenting on today's figures that show a 6% rise in the number of number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) being diagnosed across the UK, with young people aged 16-24 accounting for half of all newly diagnosed STIs, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said, "This shocking increase is a stark reminder of the complacency shown by the Government in tackling this issue. The Government is guilty of criminal neglect in slashing public health spending over recent years and massively underspending health promotion budgets. This short sightedness is putting a whole generation at risk of a sexual health crisis."

"It is particularly disturbing to see such a large number of young people contracting STIs. The Government must now ensure that all children receive quality sex and relationship education."

DELGA Chair Jen Yockney said, "It seems that sexual health services are one of the 'easiest' things to cut funding for when budgets are tight, though the consequences of doing so are clear."