Record number of gonorrhea and syphilis cases in Barnet

There were 797 gonorrhea diagnoses and 95 syphilis diagnoses in Barnet in 2023, reports Sonja Tutty, Data Reporter

Cases of gonorrhea and syphilis in Barnet hit a record high last year, new figures show.

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV said the “worrying trajectory” of rising diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections in England is a sign of unmet needs for those who need sexual care.

Figures from the UK’s Health Safety Agency show there were 797 gonorrhea diagnoses and 95 syphilis diagnoses in Barnet in 2023.

They increased from 688, respectively 85 with the previous year – both a record.

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

Professor Matt Phillips, Chair of BASHH, said: “We are at a critical juncture for ensuring the viability of sexual health services.

“The troubling trajectory of new STI diagnoses is a sign of increased unmet needs for those who need sexual care, particularly those from underserved communities and those who may prefer face-to-face services.

“It underscores the need for a long-awaited and much-needed strategy for sexual health.”

He added that the new government has an opportunity to “turn the tide” and address recruitment and funding challenges to improve access to expertise in sexual health and wellbeing.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils with responsibility for delivering sexual health services, said the figures showed the government should implement a 10-year sexual health strategy.

There were 3,265 STI diagnoses last year in Barnet – up from 3,013 the previous year.

Of the diagnoses last year, 1,335 (41%) were chlamydia.

Richard Angell, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said the figures show a year-on-year increase in ITS and demand for services.

He added that 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 infection is to use a condom consistently and correctly with new or casual partners.”

He added: “The NHS offers free and confidential tests for STIs to detect any potential infections and prevent them being passed on to others.”

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