New Zealand facing chlamydia 'epidemic', says expert

By KATHERINE HOBY

New Zealanders are neglecting their sexual health and one expert says the result is "an epidemic" of chlamydia.

Figures in the Sexually Transmitted Infections quarterly report show that chlamydia was the disease most frequently diagnosed in sexual health clinics in the March quarter of this year.

The report, prepared by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, says 876 cases of laboratory-confirmed chlamydia were reported by clinics. That is a 14 per cent increase on the 770 cases reported over the same three months of last year.

Chlamydia diagnoses have been steadily increasing since 1996.

The Ministry of Health says the increase has previously been attributed to the introduction of better testing methods but it now appears that the increase reflects an increasing incidence of the disease.

There were 150 confirmed gonorrhoea cases in the period, compared with 145 previously.

The report does not represent the total number of sexually transmitted diseases in the community, as data was not collected from all health providers.

Ministry senior public health adviser Dr Alison Roberts said the increase was a concern.

"The figures highlight the need to use condoms as they show people are not having safe sex."

Those having sex should be honest with partners, and visit a clinic if they suspect they might have a sexually transmitted disease, says Dr Roberts.

The ministry is also developing the first comprehensive sexual and reproductive health strategy for NZ, as it is concerned about rates of abortion, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

"Reducing these will be a priority," said Dr Roberts.

The first stage of the proposed strategy is due to be completed by next month.