Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Fiona O'Malley

Question:

321 Ms F. O'Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the latest statistics from the National Disease Surveillance Centre on sexually transmitted infections, in particular the marked increase in the recorded instance of chlamydia; the steps under way at his Department to increase awareness of sexually transmitted infections and the way they can be prevented; if there are plans for increased availability of screening and treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25531/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The most recent statistics available on sexually transmitted infections, STIs, published by the National Disease Surveillance Centre, NDSC, show that there were 1,343 cases of chlamydia notified in 2000, an increase of 54.5% on the pre vious year. There were a total of 8,869 cases of STIs notified to the NDSC in 2000 compared with an overall total of 6,993 in 1999, representing an increase of 26.8% in notifications over the two year period. There has been an increasing upward trend in notifications year on year since the mid 1990s. While some of the increase may be due to an increased public and professional awareness of chlamydia infection, improved acceptability of STI clinics and the availability of more sophisticated diagnostic techniques, these figures undoubtedly reflect an increase in unsafe sexual practices.

A sub-committee of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the NDSC is reviewing the current system of notification of STIs and will make recommendations on future systems. The sub-committee is also investigating the need for screening for chlamydia in Ireland.

More than half of the total number of STI cases and 830 of the 1,343 chlamydia cases notified in 2000 were notified in the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, area. I have been informed by the ERHA that a working group has recently been established to develop sexual health strategy for the region. This strategy will be primarily directed towards promoting sexual health and well-being and preventing the transmission of STIs. I am also advised that a pilot programme for chlamydia screening is being conducted at present in a maternity hospital in the ERHA region.

Sexually transmitted infections are included in the remit of the National AIDS Strategy Committee, NASC. The report of this committee, "AIDS Strategy 2000" was published in June 2000. It makes recommendations for dealing with HIV-AIDS and other STIs over the coming years. My Department, through the National AIDS Strategy Committee and its sub-committees on education and prevention, surveillance and care and management, is currently working to implement these recommendations.

Education is an important aspect in raising awareness of the dangers of engaging in risky sexual behaviour which could result in a sexually transmitted infection. Health boards undertake information and awareness activities at regional level and among the issues addressed is the prevention of sexually transmitted infection. Where appropriate, the health boards work in conjunction with and fund voluntary organisations in this regard.

The health promotion unit of my Department is also currently involved in running several sexual health programmes. These include phase one of the "Think Twice" campaign, aimed at men and women in the 18 to 35 year old age group, which was launched in November 2000 and has to date resulted in the following activities: the dissemination of an information pack to members of the media, health professionals and other relevant staff in the field of sexual health; the introduction of an advertising campaign with the "Think Twice" message; four regional work shops, two in Dublin, one in Cork and one in Sligo, with social partners and interest groups which facilitated discussion and information gathering on the topic; research, via focus groups, to establish needs and appropriate content for an information handbook; collaboration with the Southern Health Board and its specialist staff to finalise resource material for the adult population. This has resulted in the production of an information booklet which is currently at the design stage and will be available shortly; relationships and sexuality education, RSE, programme and social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum within the school setting which, in addition to many other health topics, also deal with sexual health and well being; convenience advertising campaign which specifically targets entertainment venues by putting posters in male and female toilets. The health promotion unit has recently expanded this programme to several new venues and this new phase of convenience advertising includes a take away message for the first time. Development of the next phase of campaign posters has just begun and it will include a specific message on chlamydia.

Additional funding has been provided to health boards in recent years to address the problems of HIV-AIDS and STIs. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the facilities in place. There are currently six consultants specialising in the treatment of HIV-AIDS-STIs, of whom five are in Dublin – one of whom deals with children – and one in Cork. My Department has also provided funding in respect of the appointment of a new infectious diseases consultant in the Western Health Board.