New STI figures show need for much wider work

6.52.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Apr 2008

New figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that there has been a huge increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia, Syphilis and Anogenital Warts among the middle-aged and elderly since 2002. The statistics contained in a Parliamentary Answer show that Syphilis has tripled in the over 65's, and has more than doubled amongst those who are 35-64. The figures also reveal a rise in Chlamydia by 51% for those aged between 35-44 and by 37% for those aged over 65.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley said: "Most people think that STIs only affect young people but this is clearly not the case. Too often, campaigns against STIs are solely aimed at teenagers and people in their twenties. The Government needs to ensure that information is available to all age groups, so that we can buck this worrying trend."

DELGA Chair Jen Yockney added: "Those of us involved in the bisexual, lesbian and gay communities know that safer sex awareness work and support tends to be geared toward younger people and gay men around HIV/AIDS. These figures are a timely reminder of the need for work that reaches out much more widely."