The continuing increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England highlights the pressing need for investment and a sexual health strategy from the next government, say public health leaders.
Annual data1 from the UK Health Security Agency show that there were 401 800 diagnoses of new STIs in England last year, an increase of 4.7% since 2022 (383 789).
Diagnoses of gonorrhoea increased by 7.5% from 79 268 in 2022 to 85 223 in 2023, the largest annual number reported since records began in 1918.
There was also a 9.4% rise in diagnoses of …