Scottish executive reports on sexual health strategy

The Scottish executive has reported the results of the annual report into the success of the NHS boards in implementing a national sexual health strategy in Scotland.

Results from the report were announced this week during a launch of a DVD aimed at reducing unplanned pregnancies through examining the experiences of younger parents.

Andy Kerr, health minister, noted that traditionally, sexual health in Scotland was “poor”, but that the executive was dedicated to altering this state of affairs by both improving education and making services more widely available.

“Today’s annual report clearly illustrates substantial progress has been made since the strategy was launched 18 months ago but we cannot be complacent.”

He added that the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported had increased in the country and stated that while this could in part be attributed to greater awareness of the disease and improved rates of testing, that some diseases were now at record levels which must be dealt with.

The Scottish executive commissioned a national sexual health strategy in 2002 with the stated aims of reducing unintended pregnancies and STIs, improve the provision of services relating to sexual health and to support a wider understanding of sexual health and relationships.