Chlamydia testing drive launched in Telford

A sexual health charity will be launching a chlamydia testing drive in Telford as latest figures revealed only four per cent of Shropshire's young people have been screened for the infection.

Staff from the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity, will be visiting Telford Shopping Centre to promote better sexual health among the county's 16 to 24 year olds.

Charity staff will be in the shopping centre on March 24 and 26 from 9am to 5pm.

Lotte Hakeman, senior practitioner at the trust's office in Telford, said: "Despite better awareness about STIs (sexually transmitted infection), some young people are still reluctant to be tested, or worried about what the test involves. They needn't be.

"We are very grateful to Telford Shopping Centre for giving us the opportunity to show people how simple and easy the chlamydia test is.

"We hope that by spreading the message, young people in Shropshire will be better equipped to maintain good sexual health."

Figures from the Health Protection Agency - an independent body that protects the health and well-being of the population — revealed that the rate of chlamydia diagnoses amongst 15 to 24 year olds in Shropshire was lower than the national average.

But just four per cent of people in that age bracket were tested meaning the true figure could be drastically different.

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK, with an estimated 1 in 14 people aged between 16 and 24 having undiagnosed chlamydia.

For most people, chlamydia has little or no symptoms — but, if it is left untreated, it can lead to serious longterm health problems which can include infertility.

The testing drive is being funded by NHS Telford and Wrekin as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, which aims to combat the spread of chlamydia, by increasing testing rates among the young.

Staff and volunteers will provide information and advice about the sexually transmitted infection and will also offer chlamydia tests.

The test is free, simple and confidential.

Men will be asked to give a urine sample and women either a urine sample or self-administered swab.

The samples will then be sent off to the lab, with the results available in one week.

The Terrence Higgins Trust team will also be handing out a range of items for participants including free condoms, key rings and glow sticks.

By Paul Mannion