Recently published figures (from the Health Protection Agency) show that a campaign to encourage young people in East Sussex to get tested for Chlamydia is having a marked effect.
In the NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald area 13.6% of all 16-25 year olds were tested, whilst the figure was 13.7% in NHS Hastings & Rother.
This compares to a rate of 12.1% across Sussex, Surrey and Kent as a whole.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with as many as 1 in 10 under 25s having it.
Sometimes there are no symptoms and if it is not treated it can lead to long term problems, including pain and fertility problems in women.
All young people under 25 are being urged to have a free, easy test as part of the ‘Chlamydia free’ campaign across the county.
This includes sending out 60,000 special postcards (enclosed in a plain envelope for discretion) detailing ways in which they can get a free test for Chlamydia.
These include:
* Filling in the postcard with their name and address to get a free testing pack
* Calling the Chlamydia line on freephone 0800 612 668 to get a free testing pack
* Going to their local GP or pharmacy
The testing service is free and confidential and people will only be contacted if they test positive.
People can choose to get their result by text message and treatment is a simple course of anti-biotics.
Joanne Bernhaut, a consultant in public health for East Sussex, says:
“Chlamydia is an infection that is easy to treat. It is picked up through sexual activity, not just intercourse.
The test is pain free and involves a urine sample for men and a swab for women.
Remember, the best way to avoid contracting Chlamydia, and other sexual transmitted infections, is to use a condom.”
Sending out special postcards is just one way the NHS is encouraging people to get tested for Chlamydia.
Other methods include:
* Special window displays in local chemists (July)
* An advertising campaign on buses and billboards
* Visits by the chalymidia testing team to local shopping centres, colleges and community events across the summer.
For more information, or to request a Chlamydia testing kit, please call 08000 612 668.
