Liverpool STI Rates Drop as Health Experts Call for Testing

New health data reveals a significant decline in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Liverpool, with the city recording a 17.8% drop in new diagnoses. This performance notably outpaces the national decrease of 8.7%, marking a second consecutive year of progress following a 21% decline observed between 2023 and 2024.

Understanding the Latest Figures

Public health officials report 954 fewer cases compared to the previous period. Crucially, this reduction in infections has occurred while testing rates remained largely stable. Experts suggest this indicates a genuine decrease in transmission rather than a drop in clinical engagement or a reduction in the number of people seeking care. While the data is positive, health leaders emphasize that these figures represent a snapshot in time and that sustained vigilance is required to maintain this downward trend.

What Readers Need to Know

Despite the positive city-wide trend, the Liverpool City Council Public Health team warns against complacency. Health outcomes remain uneven, with STIs continuing to disproportionately affect specific demographics, including young people under 25, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), and Black African and Caribbean communities.

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, stated that while the current trajectory is encouraging, the work is far from finished. He noted that regular testing remains a vital component of the local sexual health strategy to ensure early detection and effective treatment, which ultimately breaks the chain of transmission.

Practical Advice: How to Access Confidential Testing

Local authorities are urging all residents to view testing as a routine, non-stigmatized part of personal healthcare. Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, recommends that individuals test at least once a year, or whenever they have a new partner, to maintain personal wellbeing and community health.

Free and confidential support is provided through Axess Sexual Health. Services available to residents include:

• STI Testing and Treatment: Comprehensive screening for common infections.
• HIV Prevention: Access to testing, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
• Contraception: Including emergency support and long-acting options.
• Confidential Advice: Professional support for sexual health concerns.

Residents can visit the Axess Sexual Health website to order free, discreet home testing kits or to locate a clinic for an in-person appointment. Additional resources regarding sexual health education and local testing pathways are available through the Liverpool PaSH portal. These accessible public health resources are part of a broader, ongoing city effort to ensure that health information remains clear, confidential, and actionable for all communities across Liverpool.

Source: Liverpool City Council