Have Your Say On The Borough’s Strategy On Sexual Health

The strategy sets out the priorities and approach of Wandsworth Council and key partners

The strategy aims to identify actions to be taken locally to improve sexual health outcomes, reduce inequalities and promote good sexual health, with focus on prevention, awareness, inequalities and primary care.

The strategy identifies five priorities, following feedback received from the Sexual Health Needs Assessment earlier this year and several stakeholder engagement events:

  • Reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates with targeted intervention for at risk groups
  • Reduce unintended pregnancies
  • Continue to reduce under-18 conceptions
  • Work towards eliminating late diagnosis and onwards transmission of HIV
  • Promote healthy sexual behaviour and reduce risky behaviour
  • It also aims to better understand the demands being place on local sexual health services.

Houda Al-Sharifi, Director of Public Health in Wandsworth said: “Sexual health is a priority for public health as it is an integral part of our overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, poor sexual health can have a negative impact on wider health and wellbeing of individuals and impacts society as a whole.

“The draft strategy outlines how local stakeholders will work together to address the priority areas identified in the Sexual Health Needs Assessment we undertook earlier this year.

“We want to hear from the local population, services and organisations to get a better understanding of what’s important locally. I encourage you to read the document and respond to the consultation before it closes next month.”

The council’s health spokesman Cllr Paul Ellis said: “We know that local people want good sexual health services and plenty of information on how to take care of their sexual health. The new strategy outlines how, together with out partners, we can do that. Input from users has been key in drawing up the strategy, but we’re keen to get more feedback now to ensure local views are taken on board.”

When the consultation closes in November the local Sexual Health Strategic Commissioning Group will review and update the strategy to reflect the consultation responses

October 15, 2018