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.