Tuesday 15 July 2008
Sexually transmitted infection statistics
Following the release of the Sexually Transmitted Infection statistics by the Health Protection Agency, Brook's Chief Executive, Simon Blake, said:
"If we encourage more people to be tested, we will find out about more infections that were previously undiagnosed. However, the HPA’s findings confirm that we must do more to support young people to make good decisions and choices that enable them to protect their physical and emotional health.
"Young people need to be well informed about the risks of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy so that when they choose to become sexually active they are able to do so safely.
"Improving sex and relationships education by making it a statutory part of the national curriculum and providing sexual health services that are accessible, confidential and well publicised are key to improving young people's sexual health."
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For media enquiries please contact Natalie Collyer, Press Officer, on 020 7284 6062 or 07500 786 762
Notes
Brook is the UK’s leading provider of sexual health services and advice for young people under 25. The charity has more than 40 years’ experience of working with young people and currently has a network of more than 50 services in 18 areas of the England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey.
Brook services provide free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and outreach and education work, reaching more than 200,000 young people every year. www.brook.org.uk
