Latest news with #SexuallyTransmittedInfection
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Gonorrhoea cases in Scotland remain high amid surge among older men
Gonorrhoea cases remain alarmingly high in Scotland, a new report has found, with a spike among older men prompting the launch of a new vaccine programme. Gonorrhoea cases in Scotland remain at worryingly high levels with a sharp rise among older men prompting urgent action from health officials. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has revealed that more than 4,500 people were diagnosed with the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in 2024. While overall figures have dipped slightly from the record highs of 5,999 diagnoses in 2023, the number of cases is still well above pre-pandemic levels – and there's been "concerning increases" noted among older men. Gonorrhoea, once thought to be declining in Scotland, has surged in recent years. According to PHS, the number of recorded infections has more than doubled since 2018. From 2023 to 2024, diagnoses decreased in men under 30 but incidence remains high and has increased in those 30 years and older. The disease has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making early detection and prevention even more critical. Experts say the findings show how STI's continue to pose a "significant public health threat" and underline the need for targeted interventions. It comes as the Scottish Government recently announced a new vaccination campaign, which will begin this August, after Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said action was "urgent". The move follows advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which backed the use of the MenB (meningococcal B) vaccine to help curb the spread of gonorrhoea. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of the Vaccination and Immunisation Division at Public Health Scotland (PHS), said: 'With gonorrhoea diagnoses having increased in recent years, the offer of the MenB vaccine to those at highest risk of exposure is a welcome new intervention. This vaccination programme is expected to help control and prevent the spread of gonorrhoea. 'We are working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to finalise plans for the roll out of this targeted vaccination offering from August 2025.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Gonorrhoea can cause significant pain and discomfort and in rare cases, life-threatening sepsis. The highest rate of positive tests for gonorrhoea in the last five years was consistently observed in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Health chiefs believe thousands of cases of gonorrhoea could be prevented through the new vaccine programme. The S cottish Government has put aside £280,000 of funding for it. The vaccine – which is already used to protect infants against meningitis – has been shown in trials to cut gonorrhoea cases by over 30%. It will be offered to gay and bisexual men at highest risk of infection, those involved in selling or exchanging sex regardless of gender and those who sexual health clinic professionals assess as being at a similar risk level. Speaking at the Public Health Scotland Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Conference in Edinburgh, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: 'This action is urgent and timely since the number of diagnoses has been high and the disease is becoming increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics. 'The science tells us that this vaccine will potentially protect thousands of people and prevent the spread of infection." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Health chiefs have warned that while the vaccine is a vital tool, it's not a silver bullet. Condoms remain the most effective protection against STIs, and those with new or multiple partners are being urged to continue using them and get tested regularly. Left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications – including infertility and, in rare cases, blood infections. Visit NHS Inform or contact your local sexual health clinic for advice, testing, or treatment.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Himachal CM flags off 12 e-scooters to reach out to HIV, TB, hepatitis patients
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday flagged off 12 e-scooters from his residence. These e-scooters have been provided to the Health department through the State AIDS Control Society and would be deployed across eight districts of the state, a release said. It said the initiative aims to deliver doorstep medical services including delivery of medicines, screening and counselling services to patients suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Infection (SITs), Tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis. This is the first time such a dedicated and humanitarian outreach model was being implemented in the state to ensure that no individual was deprived of essential treatment. This initiative would ensure the continuity of medication and significantly contribute to achieving viral load suppression among patients, thereby enabling them to live healthier and longer lives, the release said. Commending the State AIDS Control Society and the Health department for this initiative, the Chief Minister said Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations have played a vital role in raising sustained awareness about HIV. "Making Himachal Pradesh HIV-free was our collective responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters would strengthen our ongoing efforts." He said that over 6,000 individuals were currently living with HIV in the State and most of whom have achieved viral load suppression, a testament to the success of the state government's policies and consistent efforts. He said that the State Government was promoting electric vehicles in the state for conservation of environment and providing e-scooters to the Health department was also a step in this direction. Health and Family Welfare Minister (Col.) DhRam Shandil said that the State AIDS Control Society was actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs established in universities, colleges and industrial training institutes across the state. Additionally, the Adolescent Education Programme was being implemented in schools. The Department of Youth Services and Sports and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan were also partnering to raise awareness about HIV among out-of-school youth.
