A RECORD number of gonorrhoea cases were reported in Barnsley last year, the latest figures show.
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show there were 266 gonorrhoea diagnoses in Barnsley in 2023.
It was up from 246 the year before and the highest since local records began in 2012.
Meanwhile, there were 20 syphilis diagnoses in Barnsley in 2023 up from 17 the year before.
Nationally, recorded cases of syphilis were at the highest level since 1948, while gonorrhoea reached the highest number since records began in 1918.
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.
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.”
There were 1,347 STI diagnoses last year in Barnsley up from 1,324 the year before.
Of the diagnoses last year, 684 were chlamydia.
Richard Angell, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, added: “Rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis were already shockingly high and we have seen another increase in the 2023 data.
“Almost every local authority in the country has seen an increase in gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases remain high.
“Alongside this increase, we are seeing a continuation of health inequalities as every year, STIs disproportionately impact gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, some ethnic minority groups and young people.
“Sexual health services are the backbone of our work to end new HIV cases and ensure everyone has good sexual health.
“Without funding as well as a national strategy for the future of sexual health and HIV services, this growing crisis will not be tackled.”
The Local Government Association, which represents councils which have responsibility for commissioning sexual health services, said the figures show the government should implement a ten-year sexual health strategy.
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.
“The NHS provides free, confidential STI testing to detect any potential infections and prevent you passing them on to others.”
