New STI Data Signals Need for Expert-Backed National Sexual Health Strategy
03 June 2025
The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) is pleased to see a reduction in new STI diagnoses over the past year in England, but warns against complacency in addressing the underlying issues driving what remain historically high rates of infection.
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show an 8.8% decrease in new STI diagnoses in England, falling to 364,750 in 2024. Despite this decline, diagnoses of syphilis cases increased by 4.6% and rates of gonorrhoea infection also remain historically high, despite a 15.9% decrease from the previous year. There is also growing concern about the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases, which although still relatively low, are being detected more frequently.
The report also details that the burden of STIs continues to fall disproportionately on young people aged 15 to 24 years, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), and some minority ethnic groups.
In response to today’s figures, BASHH is renewing its call for the government to implement a long-overdue national strategy for sexual health – informed by experts and service users. This must include a clear plan to address the mounting challenge of antimicrobial resistance, build workforce capacity, invest in equitable access to care, and embed sexual health within broader NHS planning as part of the upcoming 10-Year Health Plan.
Commenting on UKHSA’s data publication, Professor Matt Phillips, President of BASHH, said:
“Whilst it is encouraging to see a fall in the total number of STI diagnoses this year, we nonetheless continue to see historically high rates of sexual infection, with particularly worrying continued increases in infections such as syphilis, which are at their highest-ever levels, and the continued spread of antibiotic-resistant disease. It is vital that clear steps are put in place to reverse these trends.
With this in mind, the recent announcement of a national rollout of vaccines for gonorrhoea and mpox are welcome developments. However, sexual health services remain under immense pressure and these new tools risk being deployed into overstretched systems unable to support them effectively.
We find ourselves at a critical point for securing the long-term viability of sexual health services in this country. Only a joined-up, ambitious national strategy can ensure that we are prepared not just for today’s sexual health challenges, but for those we know are coming. Delivering upon this will enable every person in every community to access the expert care they need, while also playing a critical role in supporting the Government’s shift towards genuine health prevention.”
The full UKSHA data is available to view here
For BASHH media requests, please contact Sean Walker at bashh@mandfhealth.com.