NPA promotes importance of pharmacy STI test kits

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is conducting a radio campaign to raise awareness of the practical benefits of pharmacy-distributed tests for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

According to the organisation, community pharmacies are ideally placed to offer services of this kind due to convenience and anonymity, as well as the removal of the need for an appointment.

The association is responding to figures from a recent NPA survey which shows that around a third of UK consumers would be too embarrassed to get tested for chlamydia, while a majority of respondents were unaware that the condition has no symptoms.

It also raised concerns that only a fifth of people are aware of the availability of STI testing services from pharmacies.

Leyla Hannbeck, head of information at the NPA, said: "Community pharmacies are very accessible and they have a good track record in providing sexual health services."

Earlier this year, the NPA also suggested that more must be done to promote the contraceptive services pharmacies can potentially offer to socially-disadvantaged young people.