Gonorrhoea cases in Blackburn with Darwen reached a record high last year, new figures show.

Council bosses say they are “addressing the rise” and also highlighted the testing services and sexual health information they already provide.

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) said the "worrying trajectory" of rising diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections across England is a sign of unmet needs for those who require sexual health care.

Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show there were 145 gonorrhoea diagnoses in Blackburn with Darwen in 2023.

It was up from 141 the year before and the highest since local records began in 2012.

Meanwhile, there were 21 syphilis diagnoses in Blackburn with Darwen in 2023 – down from 23 the year before.

Professor Abdul Razaq, Blackburn with Darwen’s director of public health, said: “Our vision for Blackburn with Darwen is to create an environment where sexual health and safe, healthy relationships are openly discussed and embraced. Our range of sexual health services are designed to be accessible and equal for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, or socioeconomic status.

“Our education and outreach services in numerous settings, along with increased testing and targeted testing, play a crucial role in our offer. By providing information about safe practices, prevention of STIs, and healthy relationships, we aim to empower people to make informed and positive choices about their sexual health and wellbeing.

“By continuing to work collaboratively and proactively with our range of wide stakeholders, we are addressing the rise in STI diagnoses and enhance the overall sexual health of our communities in Blackburn with Darwen.”

Nationally, recorded cases of syphilis were at the highest level since 1948, while gonorrhoea reached the highest number since records began in 1918.

Professor Matt Phillips, president of BASHH, said: "We find ourselves at a critical point for securing the viability of sexual health services.

"The worrying trajectory of new STI diagnoses is a sign of increased unmet needs for those who require sexual health care, particularly those in minoritised communities and those who might prefer face-to-face services.

"It underlines the need for a long-awaited and much-needed strategy for sexual health."

He added the new government has an opportunity to "change the tides "and address recruitment and funding challenges to improve access to sexual health and wellbeing expertise.

Gemma Niebieszczanski, head of clinical operations at sexual health and wellbeing charity Brook, said, “With STI diagnoses on the rise it is vital that people protect themselves and their partners by practicing safer sex. One of the simplest ways to do this is by using condoms, which are highly effective at preventing the transmission of STIs when used correctly.

“It’s also important to test for STIs, particularly if you’ve had unprotected sex, or recently changed sexual partners. Not all STIs have symptoms, so the only way to truly know if you have one is by testing.

"STI tests are quick and simple, and Blackburn with Darwen residents can order them online for free. STI testing and free condoms are also available from Brook's Darwen Street clinic, alongside a full range of confidential, non-judgemental services to support people with their sexual health and wellbeing.”

 

The Local Government Association, which represents councils which have responsibility for commissioning sexual health services, said the figures show the Government should implement a 10-year sexual health strategy.

There were 809 STI diagnoses last year in Blackburn with Darwen – up from 628 the year before.

Of the diagnoses last year, 549 (68 per cent) were chlamydia.

Richard Angell, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity which aims to end new cases of HIV by 2030, said the figures show a year-on-year increase of STIs and demand for services.

He added the government must commit to a national strategy and funding that "sets a clear direction for improving sexual health in England".

Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: "The best way to reduce your risk of an infection is to use a condom consistently and correctly with new or casual partners."

He added: "The NHS provides free, confidential STI testing to detect any potential infections and prevent you passing them on to others."