Investment in high quality contraception and sexual health services has helped to cut the number of new diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Bedford Borough by 11% over the last year, according to new figures.
The figures, published by the UK Health Security Agency, show there were 621 new diagnoses in 2024, down from 699 in 2023.
And it means that the number of new cases per 100,000 people has been lower than the national average for each of the last 11 years.
There has also been a 24% drop in the number of gonorrhoea diagnoses, from 170 in 2023 to 130 in 2024. That also means that the number of new cases per 100,000 people has been lower than the national average for each of the last 11 years.
Bedford Borough is also below the national average for the number of recorded new cases of syphilis.
STIs do not always show any symptoms and these reductions in infections highlight the importance of condom use and regular testing in order to prevent infections, complications, and onward transmission.
Testing, treatment, information and advice, and access to contraception are all available at your local iCaSH clinic, and convenient, free online STI testing is also available. Visit the iCaSH website https://www.icash.nhs.uk/where-to-go/icash-bedfordshire or call 0300 300 3030 for more information.
Councillor Martin Towler, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities: Health and Wellbeing said; “This reduction in the number of new cases of STIs reflects Bedford Borough Council’s investment in high-quality contraception and sexual health services.
“I’m grateful for the work of our Public Health team and our excellent provider iCaSH, whose efforts have helped to cut the number of new infections.”