Provisional data shows declines in syphilis and gonorrhoea diagnoses in England

16 September 2026 (Last updated: 16 Sep 2026 10:16)

UKHSA has published provisional surveillance data which indicates continued declines in syphilis and gonorrhoea diagnoses among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

The downward trend is not being seen equally across groups and BASHH continues to warn that strategic action and investment is needed to address sexual health needs and inequalities in England.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Cara Saxon, BASHH President, said:

"The UK continues to face significant sexual health challenges. Syphilis, once thought to have been largely eliminated in this country, has re-emerged in recent decades, against a wider backdrop of high STI rates, growing antimicrobial resistance, and sexual health services operating under unsustainable pressure. 

Today's findings, including the increasing provision of newer STI prevention strategies such as DoxyPEP for syphilis and the 4cMenB vaccine for gonorrhoea, are encouraging, but we have a lot to do. Declines in diagnoses among some groups such as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are enormously important and welcome. If we can sustain this it is testament to our dedicated services and collaboration with communities for targeted action based on evidence of what works. But stable rates in other groups show that there is still not progress in reaching all. We see persistent inequalities, including among women, and this is borne out today as strongly as ever. It is critical that services have the resources and agility to continue to adapt and deliver STI prevention strategies where they are most needed.

There is clear opportunity to achieve much more through greater investment and strategic emphasis on sexual health and the Government should expedite work on its new framework as a moment to refocus action and consolidate these trends. That would not only improve outcomes for individuals and communities but also help reduce pressure across the wider NHS."