WEC to question Chief Medical Officer and Children’s Commissioner on the prevalence of STIs among young people
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will hold a one-off evidence session on Wednesday, 24 January with Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner and Dr Claire Dewsnap, President, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) to examine the rise in STIs among young people.
During the session, the cross-party committee of MPs will explore potential reasons for the increase in STIs, particularly among people aged 15-24 and assess the effectiveness of Government strategies to reduce their prevalence.
Meeting details
In 2023, gonorrhoea diagnoses were the highest on record and syphilis diagnoses were at their highest since 1948. STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, though many can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis may cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with the brain, heart, or nerves.
The session is expected to touch upon access to sexual health services, testing and prevention; public heath campaigns and awareness raising; plus the adequacy of sex education in schools.