LIVERPOOL is marking a major public health milestone with a significant drop in sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates.

Newly released data highlights a 21.1% reduction in sexually transmitted infections diagnosed across Liverpool over the past year, equating to 1,421 fewer cases. The City has seen significant decreases in gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis diagnoses.

Liverpool also continues to maintain 1 of the highest testing rates in England, with these improvements reflecting the strength and impact of the City’s sustained, collaborative approach to sexual health.

A key driver behind this progress is the partnership between Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool University Hospitals Group (LUHG), which led to the launch of the Axess Sexual Health initiative.

Commissioned in 2021, the service is designed to make it easier to access testing, contraception, advice, and education.

These changes have led to dramatically improved testing rates locally, as well as improved contraceptive uptake rates and better reach into communities who may need more support.

The Axess service includes:-

• 3 main hubs providing sexual health services.
• 12 dedicated GP hubs offering specialised care.
• Over 70 pharmacies across the City providing testing and contraception.
• 24/7 online testing service, allowing people to access screening at any time.
• A mobile outreach bus, enabling trained staff to reach communities and improve accessibility.
• Education and training team, delivering crucial information about safe sex to residents.

 
Liverpool City Council’s commitment to bold and innovative public health programmes continues through the City’s comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy (2024–2030).

This strategy aims to enhance services and outcomes, with a strong focus on tackling health inequalities and breaking down barriers to care and it is already showing promising results.

Targets include:-

• Expansion of services and testing of new approaches to improve accessibility.
• Offering contraceptive implants through pharmacies later this year, a 1st in the UK.
• Early rollout of vaccinations to help reduce gonorrhoea cases in the City.
• In-depth engagement with specific communities to understand their needs and enhance support for healthier, risk-free sex lives.

Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said:- “We’re proud that our investment in sexual health services is making a real difference in people’s lives. More residents are coming forward to get checked, and it’s helping them /stay healthy, and feel empowered about their wellbeing. The fall in infection rates shows how vital accessible and inclusive care is and it reflects the incredible commitment of our public health teams and partners across Liverpool. There’s still work to do, but this is a really positive step forward in giving our communities the tools and support they need to live healthier, happier lives.”

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health said:- “These latest figures are a testament to Liverpool’s bold and proactive approach to sexual health. By prioritising education, prevention, and accessible services, we’re seeing real improvements in STI outcomes across the City. It is encouraging progress and a strong foundation on which we’ll continue to build, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and informed life.”

Axess Clinical Director Dr Martyn Wood said:- “The fall in local STI rates is extremely encouraging news and shows that our local innovative strategies are beginning to work. We must continue to work as partners to implement new initiatives and strive to maintain this downward trend. I urge everyone to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing, test regularly and look out for local health campaigns and service information so you know how to access when you need to”.

For more information or to access services, visit this website. 

For more on Liverpool PaSH, visit their homepage.