Addressing the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow at the Sexual Health and HIV Symposium, Dr McBride said: “The general sexual health of our population is not as good as it should be.
“While we live in an increasingly diverse heterogeneous society, the whole issue of sexual behaviour is steeped in a range of conflicting attitudes, misinformation, ignorance and at times intolerance,” said Dr McBride, who has specialised in HIV and Genito-urinary medicine (GUM).
He continued: “There is also a growing problem with increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections. Overall the total number of STI diagnoses has been increasing steadily, by almost 20% over the last five years alone, and presently with around 12,000 diagnoses. There is also the worrying issue of HIV and AIDS. Fortunately we have a relatively low prevalence in Northern Ireland in comparison to the rest of the UK and internationally, but that is changing with population mobility. At the beginning of the decade we had around 20 new diagnoses recorded per year whereas currently there are around 60 new diagnoses per year.
“I am committed to ensuring that people living with HIV receive the best possible care and access to the most up to date drugs.”
In addressing the challenge, Dr Bride spoke about the Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan, now in its final stage of development and which focuses on prevention, training, services, and research. He also said that by Spring 2008 patients should be able to access GUM services within two working days.
Dr McBride concluded: “It will take much work to achieve progress on all of these issues and no doubt many other challenges will present themselves along the way. However, the promotion of good sexual health and prevention of sexual ill-health is not just a matter for health professionals. Others including educational professionals, communities, the family, churches and other faith groups all have an important role to play.
“As Chief Medical Officer I will continue to promote the sexual health agenda to ensure we do advance the promotion of good sexual health across Northern Ireland.”
Notes to Editors:
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