Seán Power
Ceist:103 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if the number of patients being treated in hospitals for sexually transmitted diseases is increasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20032/99]
Written Answers. - Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Patients are generally treated for sexually transmitted disease infections in out-patient genitourinary clinics, which are attached to major hospitals throughout the country. Cases diagnosed are notified to my Department in accordance with the infectious diseases regulations of 1981.
The number of reported cases of sexually trans mitted diseases has continued to rise over the past five years as follows:
|
Year |
Total Number of Notified Sexually Transmitted Diseases |
|
1994 |
4,464 |
|
1995 |
5,159 |
|
1996 |
5,766 |
|
1997 |
7,250 |
|
1998 |
7,436 |
Figures indicate that people are engaging in risk activities, which may lead to their becoming infected with an STD. Services have had to expand to cope with increased needs in this area.
The figures would also signal the need for greater emphasis on education and awareness programmes. The revised primary school curriculum, which includes social, personal and health education, will help to equip young people with skills and knowledge for life. In addition, my Department's health promotion unit and the health boards will continue with prevention and awareness campaigns. These campaigns include the convenience advertising programme running in the washroom areas of selected colleges, pool halls and night clubs so that the information regarding how to avoid infection with STDs can be given to people who are potentially at risk of infection. The unit will also continue to make available, free of charge, a range of information leaflets on topics such as sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS and Hepatitis B.
The new National Disease Surveillance Centre, which was established in 1998, and the improved reporting compliance which the centre is putting in place could mean that part of the apparent increase may be due to improved reporting in STD clinics.