New figures show a 17.8% fall in sexually transmitted infections in Liverpool. Health officials say the progress is encouraging but warn that regular testing remains essential.
Health officials in Liverpool have announced encouraging progress in the fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reporting a 17.8% decrease in new diagnoses across the city. This reduction significantly outpaces the national average decline of 8.7%. The new data indicates that 954 fewer cases were recorded compared to the previous year, which saw a 21% increase in STI diagnoses between 2023 and 2024. The public health team at the Liverpool City Council attributes this positive shift to reduced transmission rates rather than a decrease in testing numbers, noting that testing levels remained largely stable.
Professor Matt Ashton, the director of public health at Liverpool City Council, described the figures as promising, noting they reflect the sustained efforts of services and local communities. However, Ashton cautioned that STIs continue to disproportionately affect specific groups, including people under 25, as well as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
In response to these findings, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid complacency. They emphasize that sustained testing remains critical to maintaining this downward trend and ensuring continued progress in managing STI rates across the city.
