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All the latest breaking news on Public Health England. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Public Health England.

  • HIV diagnoses in gay and bi men are at their lowest in 20 years

    HIV diagnoses in gay and bi men are at their lowest in 20 years

    The number of cases of new HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men has fallen by 80%, to its lowest point in 20 years.

    The new data, released today from Public Health England (PHE) shows that there were 1,700 new infections in 2019, down from a peak of 2,700 in 2011. However, the number of actual new infections, happening within the year was actually 540 – this is because people can live with HIV for some time without being aware of their status.

    Before 2019’s new low, the lowest point was in the year 2000, when there were 1500 new cases in gay and bi men.

    New cases in heterosexual people also hit a new low, of 1,600 – the lowest since 1998.

    While the proportion of people diagnosed late remained high at 42%, the overall number decreased from around 1,900 in 2015 to 1,300 in 2019.  People diagnosed late in 2019 had an eight-fold risk of death compared to those diagnosed promptly.

    Why has the decline happened?

    The decline in HIV transmission in gay and bisexual men can be directly linked to the increase in combination prevention, including the use of condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), frequent HIV testing in a wide range of settings, and starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible after diagnosis.

    According to the PHE, treatment is now so effective that 97% of people receiving ART have undetectable levels of the virus which means it is impossible to pass the virus on, even if having sex without condoms. Undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). 

    HIV Testing is vital

    HIV testing is vital for preventing HIV-related illness and death and to achieve the goal of ending HIV transmission in the UK by 2030. The UK continues to meet the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets for the third consecutive year; however, there are opportunities to improve uptake of testing and support those testing positive to continue their treatment.

    Almost 300,000 people declined to have an HIV test when they attended a specialist sexual health service. Black African heterosexual women attendees were more likely to decline a test than Black African heterosexual men (20% vs 9% declined testing) but less likely than heterosexual women and men overall (25% vs 13%). More focussed conversations on HIV, testing, prevention and treatment in schools and clinical settings can help to combat high rates of declined tests.

    By comparison, only 4% of gay and bisexual men attending specialist sexual health services declined an HIV test; this is the group in which the greatest declines in HIV transmission have been achieved.

    Dr Valerie Delpech, Head of HIV Surveillance at Public Health England, said, “In the UK, we have made great progress towards eliminating HIV transmission by 2030. Frequent HIV testing, the offer of PrEP among those most at risk of HIV, together with prompt treatment among those diagnosed, remain key to ending HIV transmission by 2030.

    “Further progress can only be achieved if we also address the inequalities in reducing HIV transmission that exist around sexuality, ethnicity and geography.”

    How to stop HIV?

    The most common way of getting HIV in the UK is through sex with a person who is unaware of their HIV infection.

    You can protect yourself from HIV by consistent and correct condom use with new and casual partners, by using PrEP, or if your partner is on treatment and is undetectable if they are living with HIV. Correct and consistent condom use will also stop you getting or transmitting other STIs.

    People can get tested through free tests available from sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, as well as through a self-sampling service or by using a self-testing kit.

  • The Government want to end new HIV transmission in England by 2030

    The Government want to end new HIV transmission in England by 2030

    The Government says it is committed to seeing the end of new HIV Infections in England by 2030.

    CREDIT: tashatuvango-bigstock

    The UK’s government will today say it is committed to ending new HIV transmissions in England by the year 2030. Speaking at the HIV/AIDS Summit in London, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Matt Hancock MP is expected to say,  “So today we’re setting a new goal: eradicating HIV transmission in England by 2030. No new infections within the next decade. Becoming one of the first countries to reach the UN zero infections target by 2030.”

    The Department for Health & Social Care has confirmed that an expert group will now be established to develop an action plan over the course of this year. They have said that prevention will be at the heart of this commitment, alongside measurable action points for each group who are at risk of infection, including gay and bisexual men, Black African and minority ethnic (BAME) groups and for all other heterosexuals, and extensive monitoring of progress.

    This news follows the UK meeting the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets in November 2018, ahead of the 2020 deadline, with 92% of people living with HIV diagnosed; 98% of those on treatment; and 97% of those have an undetectable viral load, which means they can’t pass on HIV.

    “Government has shown decisive leadership on HIV”

    Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said, “Today’s commitment is a seminal moment in the fight to end new HIV transmissions in England. In becoming one of the first nations to make such a commitment, the Government has shown decisive leadership on HIV and we applaud them for making this pledge.

    “We now have the tools to end HIV transmissions. Through regular HIV testing, condom use, access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), prevention information and advice, and effective treatment which means people living with HIV cannot pass on the virus, we can stop HIV in its tracks. That’s why Terrence Higgins Trust has been vocal in our call for this ambitious but achievable commitment.

    “For England to reach zero new HIV transmissions, the Department for Health & Social Care, Public Health England, alongside local authorities, must now urgently work in collaboration to address some of the most pressing HIV issues. These include stepping up HIV testing to ensure the 8,000 people who remain undiagnosed can get onto treatment, immediately adding more places to the PrEP trial and ensuring sexual health services are properly funded. Without these actions, this commitment simply won’t be achievable.

    “The clock has now started ticking towards the end of HIV transmissions in England. Today’s commitment demonstrates that the Government has listened to our demand for a bold vision on HIV. Now it must act upon our call to ensure services and interventions are urgently put in place to ensure that by 2030 this pledge is made a reality.

  • This is how many sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed in 2017

    This is how many sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed in 2017

    Oi Government… Sex ed is failing the young.

    Bru-nO / Pixabay

    Research from Public Health England has revealed that there were nearly half a million (422,000) new sexually transmitted infections recorded in 2017. Although this number has been described as “stable” from the previous year, cases of syphilis have rocketed by 20 percent, from 5955 in 2016 to 7137 in 2017.

    Worryingly, the highest rates of STIs are occurring in 16 to 24 year-olds, showing that the current sex ed situation in our schooling system is woefully inadequate.

    There has been a fall in genital warts reported, which the report says reflects the widespread uptake of the HPV vaccine which is given to girls aged 12-13.

    The HPV vaccine is not offered to boys of the same age.

    Drops in chlamydia rise in gonorrhoea

    Condoms
    The humble condom remains the best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. FILE PHOTO / depositphotos.com

    The report also shows that there’s been an eight percent decline in chlamydia testing and a two percent drop in chlamydia diagnoses in 15-24-year-olds. However, there was a 22% rise in cases of gonorrhoea in 2017 compared to 2016 (from 36,577 in 2016 to 44,676 in 2017).

    Dr Gwenda Hughes, Consultant Scientist and Head of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Section at PHE, said, “Sexually transmitted infections pose serious consequences to health – both your own and that of your current and future sexual partners.

    “Consistent and correct condom use with new and casual partners is the best defence against STIs, and if you are at risk, regular check-ups are essential to enable early diagnosis and treatment.”

    PHE has recommended, “Those at risk of STIs can access services through sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinics. PHE recommend regular HIV and STI testing for those with new or casual partners. Men who have sex with men who are having condomless sex with new or casual partners should seek testing every three months. Local STI services can be located online via NHS Choices.

     

    *A previous version of this article stated that the research was from NHS England, when in fact it was Public Health England. It has been corrected to reflect this.

  • There’s been a massive fall in new HIV infections amongst gay and bi men

    New figures from Public Health England show that new HIV infections amongst gay and bisexual men dramatically fell from 2015 to 2016.

    Official figures published yesterday by PHE show there has been a significant decline in new diagnoses of HIV in the UK in gay and bisexual men. The statistics highlight the importance of frequent and regular testing to ensure that HIV is both diagnosed and treated much sooner: improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of HIV.

    The decrease in HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men represents the most exciting development in the UK HIV epidemic in 20 years when effective treatment became widely available.

    High levels of condom use and increased testing

    Commenting on the figures, Dr Valerie Delpech, Head of HIV surveillance at Public Health England, said:

    “This is very good news. It is the first time since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s that we have observed a decline in new HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men and is clear evidence that HIV prevention efforts are working in the United Kingdom.

    “Our success in reducing transmission is due to high levels of condom use among gay men, and a sharp rise in the number of men testing for HIV each year, with those at greatest risk testing more frequently. Early diagnosis is also key to making sure that people benefit from HIV treatments so they can live long and healthy lives and are protected from passing on the virus to others.”

    With continued investment in testing and diagnosis, the decline in HIV infection which has taken place for gay and bisexual men in London can be replicated in other parts of the country and in all those at higher risk of HIV. HIV testing enables diagnosis and the opportunity for treatment which not only means people can live long, healthy lives but also provides reassurance that the virus cannot be passed on.

    It is easy to get tested for HIV.  Testing is freely available through GP surgeries, local hospitals and sexual health clinics as well as on self-sampling and self-testing (see NHS Choices for further information).

    As well as getting tested, using a condom with new or casual partners protects against HIV and other STIs.

  • Which age group is most likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection?

    Which age group is most likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection?

    There’s a new report out to show that 36 per cent of new sexually transmitted diseases were attributed to one age demo.

    keeping company, social gathering,
    CREDIT: bigstock / Rawpixel.com

     

    Public Health England have warned that too many young people (15-24) are practicing unsafe sex as sexually transmitted diseases in that age group continue to sky rocket. Thirty-six per cent of new infections in 2015 were found in those aged just 15 to 24, with young Londoners at the epicentre of the sexual health crisis.

    Since 2011 diagnoses of syphilis and gonorrhoea in 15 to 24 year olds in London have soared 128 per cent and 61 per cent respectively.

    In 2015 those aged 15 to 24 living in the capital made up 36% of all new STI diagnoses; with gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes and syphilis all being diagnosed.

     

    RISES from 2011 to 2015

    Syphilis: 128%

    Gonorrhoea: 61%

    Chlamydia: – 5%

    Genital herpes: 4%

    Although the number of reported STIs dropped by four per cent from 44,283 in 2011 to 42,457 this was accounted by the drop in new Chlamydia infections – which fell from 24,017 to 22,891.

     

    Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director for PHE London, said,

     

    “These figures show that too many young people in London are continuing to have unsafe sex, putting themselves at unnecessary risk of contracting STIs.

    “Young Londoners are one of the groups we know are at increased risk of experiencing poor sexual health, along with men who have sex with men (MSM) and black ethnic minorities.

    “Young people tend to have more sexual partners and are more likely to have unsafe sex. These factors mean they are at increased risk of contracting STIs and becoming re-infected.

    “Working closely with young Londoners and other at risk groups is vital to deliver effective public health interventions and improve their sexual health outcomes.”

     

    Dr Patrick French, a sexual health specialist and genitourinary medicine consultant at The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, said,

    “Today’s report highlights that too many young people in London continue to be disproportionately affected by STIs.

    “To reduce infections among this at-risk group access to good quality preventative, testing and treatment services is vital. They must also be welcoming and open to overcome any worries or embarrassment young age people might have about going to clinic.

    “I still regularly see young people in clinic with newly diagnosed STIs, who struggled to find the right service for testing and treatment. Developing and strengthening easily accessible sexual health services for young people in London must be a priority.”

     

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  • Are we heading for a sexual health crisis? 10 per cent increase in STIs for gay and bisexual men

    Figures published by Public Health England (PHE) today show that once again that Britain’s gay and bi men’s sexual health is heading into a crisis.

    © sakkmesterke | Depositphotos
    © sakkmesterke | Depositphotos

     

    Figures released by PHE today show that in total there were 434,456 sexually transmitted infections reported in England in 2015. Well over 10 per cent of those (54, 275) were from gay and bisexual men. The greatest impact age group for those presenting sexual transmitted infections is within the 25 and under age bracket.

    The increase of 54,275 gay and bisexual men reporting sexual transmitted infections represents a 10 per cent increase on 2014’s statistics.

    Overall there was a small decrease, around three per cent, in reports for the entire population, but gay and bisexual men bucked that trend.

    Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of STI surveillance at PHE said,

    “The new statistics show STI rates are still very high among gay men and young adults.

    “We need to do more to raise awareness about STIs and how they can be prevented, especially the effectiveness of using condoms. We recommend that anyone having sex with a new or casual partner uses condoms and tests regularly for HIV and STIs. It is also vital to ensure there is easy access to STI testing and treatment services that meet the needs of local populations.”

    NHS England came under intense criticism earlier this year when it “washed its hands” on providing PrEP for the gay and bisexual community.  It announced it was removing the anti-HIV drug known as PrEP from the the official commissioning process.

    The PHE have reiterated their advice for sexually active men, suggesting,

    Consistent and correct use of condoms can significantly reduce risk of infection and regular testing for HIV and STIs is essential for good sexual health.

    Anyone under 25 who is sexually active should be screened for chlamydia annually, and on change of sexual partner. Gay and bisexual men should test annually for HIV and STIs and every 3 months if having condomless sex with new or casual partners.

    THEGAYUK runs an online Q&A sexual health service for free – ask your questions anonymously here.

  • Over One Quarter Of LGBTs Smoke Compared To 18 Percent Heterosexuals

    A survey has found that over 25 percent of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people are smokers compared to 18 percent of those identifying as straight.

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  • Top 10 Ways For Men To Lose Weight

    With the launch of their new guide, Public Health England (PHE) and Men’s Health Forum suggest the following top 10 tips to help men lose the belly.

    (more…)

  • Gay Men Buck Downward HIV Infection Trend

    New figures from Public Health England (PHE) show that gay men are bucking the downward trend for new HIV infections.

    Yesterday PHE released its 2013 HIV statistics, showing new HIV diagnoses amongst gay men have slightly increased, whilst new diagnoses overall are declining.

    Shockingly the new statistics show that, in the past ten year new diagnoses amongst gay and bisexual men aged 15-24 have almost doubled, as well as new diagnoses amongst the over 50s have almost doubled. This worry for the over 50 was mentioned by Doctor Christian Jessen in his interview with TheGayUK in 2012.

    The latest PHE figures come after a recent campaign by a coalition of LGBT organisations which called on political leaders to improve sex and relationships education in schools. These figures highlight the urgent need to make LGBT-inclusive Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) statutory in all schools.

    Yusef Azad, director of policy and campaigns at (NAT) National AIDS Trust, said: ‘The Public Health England statistics for 2013 show a continuing high rate of new MSM HIV diagnoses in the UK – about nine gay and bisexual men are being told they have HIV every day. This reflects undiminished and significant levels of HIV transmission in our society amongst gay men.’

    LESS GAY MEN DIAGNOSED LATE
    However more positively, less gay men are being diagnosed late (within four years of infection). Yusef Azad, director of policy and campaigns at (NAT) National AIDS Trust, said: ‘There continues to be an encouraging decline in the proportion of gay men diagnosed with HIV late – from 43% in 2004 to 31% in 2013. Being diagnosed late, which usually means you have had HIV for at least four years, can have a serious impact on your health, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, worse health outcomes and in some cases death soon after diagnosis.’

    ONE IN TWENTY
    According to the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) around 100,000 people in the UK were living with HIV in 2013, which means 1 in 665. In gay and bisexual men THT estimates this figure jumps to one in twenty. It could even be as high as one in twelve in highly populated cities such as London.

    Dates for the National HIV Testing Week were announced last month. The week will run from the 22nd to the 30th of November.

    If you’re worried about sexual health visit our online sexual health microsite for some easy tips and to ask our experts questions on sexual health.

  • Gay Men At Greatest Risk Of Sexually Transmitted Infections

    A shocking new report from Public Health England (PHE) shows that gay men and young adults are most at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

    There were 446,253 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in England in 2013, according to new Public Health England (PHE) data out today – close to the number diagnosed in 2012 (448,775 cases).

    Chlamydia was the most common STI, making up 47% of all diagnoses (208,755), while gonorrhoea diagnoses saw a large rise, up 15% from 2012 to 2013 (29,291).

    Among heterosexuals diagnosed in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in 2013, young people (15-24 years) experienced the highest STI rates – 63% of chlamydia cases (56,034), 54% of genital warts (36,312), 42% of genital herpes (12,450) and 56% of gonorrhoea (8,122).

    Gay men were also disproportionately affected, accounting for 81% of syphilis (2,393) and 63% of gonorrhoea (13,570) cases in male GUM clinic attendees. Gonorrhoea diagnoses rose 26% in this group, nearly double the national rate, which is of particular concern as harder to treat gonorrhoea strains emerge.

    Dr Catherine Lowndes, consultant scientist in PHE’s STI surveillance team, said: ‘Sustained efforts to encourage people to regularly get checked for STIs means we are now finding and treating more infections – which is good news. Nevertheless these data show too many people are still getting STIs each year, especially young adults and gay men.

    ‘Investment in promoting good sexual health awareness, contraception and condom use, and STI testing is vital, as is ongoing investment in easy to access sexual health services that meet the needs of local populations. Not only will this help bring down STI rates but abortion rates and under 18 conceptions as well.’

    National guidance recommends local services routinely offer chlamydia screening to young adults but only 15% of young men and 35% of young women were tested in 2013. Wide variation across the country were seen in rates of chlamydia testing and diagnoses – with only around 1/3 of local authorities reaching the recommended chlamydia screening outcome (2,300 diagnoses per 100,000 young adults per year).

    Dr Lowndes, PHE, continued: ‘Chlamydia can have serious consequences, including infertility, if it’s not treated. These data show we need to do more to encourage young adults to ask for testing every year when they attend health services.

    ‘Local areas can look at embedding screening into a variety of settings to make it as easy as possible for this group to get tested. Offering a young adult a chlamydia test opens the door to conversations about other important aspects of good sexual health, such as contraception and condom use.’

    Individuals can significantly reduce their risk of catching or passing on an STI by consistently and correctly using condoms until all partners have had a sexual health screen, by reducing the number of sexual partners, and by avoiding overlapping sexual relationships.

    If in one of the highest risk groups, getting screened regularly will lead to early identification and treatment, as these infections are frequently asymptomatic:
    · Sexually active under 25-year-olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner
    · Gay and bisexual men should have an HIV/STI screen at least annually or every three months if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners
    · Black African men and women should also have an HIV test and a regular HIV/STI screen if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.

    Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘These figures show we now have more gay men testing more regularly, and that’s a good thing. However, it’s not the whole picture. Too many men are taking risks with their sexual health, more often than not because they believe they share a HIV status with their partner. Even if they’re right – which many of them aren’t – eliminating HIV risk does not make you immune to other STIs. The sharp increase in rates of both gonorrhoea and syphilis is concerning, especially in the context of emerging drug-resistant strains of gonorrhoea.

    ‘Part of the problem is that the current approach to sex education in schools is leaving gay and bisexual men out in the cold. Gay men will continue to be disproportionately affected by sexual ill health until we have a proper programme of sex and relationships education in all schools, that is fit for the 21st century and covers all types of relationship. Taught properly, sex and relationships education has been shown to delay sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase the use of condoms. Having that bedrock in place is a vital step to give gay and bisexual men the confidence as adults to make healthy decisions about sex.’

  • PHE warns of Shigella Dysentery rise in gay and bisexual men

    A new campaign to warn gay and bisexual men about the risk of Shigella dysentery is being launched today by Public Health England (PHE) in partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), as new figures show a surge in cases likely to have been sexually-acquired over the past 12 months.

    * Shingella is a serious gut infection
    * Can cause prolonged diarrhoea and stomach cramps
    * Can be caught through Oral sex and Rimming

    In the UK, Shigella flexneri usually affects similar numbers of men and women and is linked with overseas travel, but 2013 data show an excess of more than 200 cases of the infection in men with no or unknown travel history, compared to women. London is most affected.

    GUT INFECTION
    Shigella is a serious gut infection causing severe, prolonged diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Among gay and bisexual men, Shigella is usually passed on through the faecal-oral route during sex, either directly or via unwashed hands – only a tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection.

    Symptoms often develop around 1-3 days after sex, including:
    · Frequent and explosive diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
    · Stomach cramps
    · Feeling feverish with flu like symptoms
    · Some people report vomiting
    · Feeling weak and tired (accompanying the gastrointestinal symptoms)
    Men experiencing Shigella symptoms are advised to visit their GP or a clinic, specifically mentioning Shigella and requesting a stool sample test. The infection is treatable with antibiotics. Risk of infection can be reduced by avoiding oral contact with faeces during sex and washing hands thoroughly and showering after sex.

    Interviews with gay and bisexual men who caught the infection through sex found links to high numbers of partners, often met anonymously online or at sex parties. For many, using drugs, such as mephedrone, methamphetamine (crystal meth), ketamine and GBL, before or during sex led to lowered inhibitions and riskier sex. Worryingly, one in three men using these drugs had injected them (known as ‘slamming’). Most of the men interviewed had not heard of Shigella before and thought they had food poisoning.

    CAUSES OF SHIGELLA
    One of the men interviewed, who got Shigella through anal-oral sex (‘rimming’), said: “Getting Shigella was the lowest point in my life. I suffered uncontrollable bloody diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps. The ferocity of symptoms and dehydration headaches made me think I was going to die. Initially I blamed it on a bad curry and held off visiting my GP for a week, but really wish I had gone straight away. Although it was treatable with antibiotics, the illness cost me a fortune as I had to take six weeks off work on statutory sick pay.”
    As part of the awareness campaign, posters and leaflets are being distributed in nightclubs, saunas and other gay venues, plus sexual health clinics, highlighting the symptoms of Shigella, how it is transmitted and how to avoid it.

    ON THE RISE
    Dr Gwenda Hughes, PHE head of STI surveillance, said: “Shigella is on the rise, so it is vital gay and bisexual men know about it and how to avoid getting it. We’re also seeing increasing HIV and gonorrhoea diagnoses among gay and bisexual men in the UK – indeed, most of the men with Shigella had been diagnosed with other STIs including HIV. This is a reminder how important it is to use a condom when having sex with casual and new partners.”

    Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Although on paper the number of documented cases of Shigella are quite small, the concern is that not all cases are being reported. Men with symptoms who haven’t heard of Shigella before might assume it’s a particularly bad case of food poisoning. However, the infection can be dangerous, even more so if you’re already living with HIV or Hep C. We would urge anyone who is experiencing symptoms, or who’s concerned they may have been at risk, to call our free helpline THT Direct or visit www.tht.org.uk/shigella.”

    Dr Hughes continued: “The Shigella awareness campaign is part of a broader commitment to helping improve the health of gay and bisexual men, including exploring the links between health and drug use. The level of injecting drug use is a particular concern as we know that this puts men at greatly increased risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C”
    Individuals worried about Shigella or their drug use can find out more on the Terrence Higgins Trust website – including finding a local service to visit for further advice. www.tht.org.uk/shigella