The sexual health and HIV strategy was published for consultation on 27 July 2001. The Strategy indicates our long-term commitment to modernise and improve sexual health services. The Government consulted widely on the Strategy and received widespread support on its proposals and its aims to:

• Reduce the transmission of HIV and STIs
• Reduce the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV and STIs
• Reduce unintended pregnancy rates
• Improve health and social care for people living with HIV
• Reduce the stigma associated with HIV and STIs

In response to the consultation, the Government developed a 27- point action plan which was published on 24 June 2002. This provides a framework for delivery, sets out detailed milestones and how interventions will be delivered. It also addresses key concerns raised in consultation.

The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV

• Portable Document Format (file size: 203 KB)

The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV: Implementation Action Plan

• Portable Document Format (file size: 114 KB)

Imp lementation - Position at March 2003

Implementation is now underway and the Government seem to be making good progress. In particular:

• PCT sexual health leads have now been identified
• A sexual health commissioning toolkit has now been published
• An Independent Advisory Group to advise on implementation has been established.
• The national information campaign has been launched
• HIV standards will be published shortly
• Over £6 million has been invested in G.U (Genito-Urinary) and abortion services this financial year.
• The chlamydia screening programme is now underway

Bids for one-stop shop sexual health services are currently being evaluated.

Baseline Review

The Government at this time are still awaiting copies of the baseline review and data collection exercise on sexual health from a number of areas. Additional funding of £16,000 was given to each of the old Health Authorities in December 2001 to complete this exercise for each PCT in their area.

If you have not already done so, please can you arrange for your area's baseline review to be sent to Phillip Morrison, Department of Health, Room 580D, Skipton House, 80 London Road, London SE1 6LH, or e-mail to phillip.morrison@doh.gsi.gov.uk as soon as possible.

You can visit the Department of Health Website homepage for further information and updates on their Sexual Health and HIV Strategy by clicking here www.doh.gov.uk/sexualhealthandhiv/

WHAT'S NEW

January 2004
Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health & HIV response to the Health Select Committee's Report on Sexual Health (78 KB)

September 2003
Government Response to the Health Select Committee's Third Report of Session 2002-03 on Sexual Health

You can search for more details on the Department of Health's Website at: www.dh.gov.uk