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Londoners rate poorly in sexual health
Source: Agencies |
August 5, 2009, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE sexual health of young Londoners is still among the worst in the country, despite innovative projects and improved services, the London Assembly said today.
A report by the Assembly's Health and Public Services Committee found that teenage pregnancy rates in 18 London boroughs are higher than the national average and in some boroughs one in 13 young girls is falling pregnant.
Boroughs with the highest teenage pregnancy rates include Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham and Haringey while Richmond, Kingston and Harrow have the lowest.
Although London's overall rate has fallen, more than one in four boroughs has failed to reduce its teen pregnancy rate.
The report found that the capital's rate of sexually transmitted infections remains above the national average, and 16 to 24-year-olds account for nearly half the sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in specialist London clinics.
The committee said there was not enough education about sex and relationships in London schools and a lack of leadership on the issue.
"Whilst we welcome the achievements and improvements made by PCTs (primary care trusts) and their partners since our 2005 report on this topic, our most recent investigation shows that Londoners' sexual health remains worryingly poor," said committee Chairman James Cleverly.
The committee has already found that sexual health clinics that have appealed more to youngsters by altering decor and appearing less clinical are proving the most successful, and this could be mirrored in other clinics.
A report by the Assembly's Health and Public Services Committee found that teenage pregnancy rates in 18 London boroughs are higher than the national average and in some boroughs one in 13 young girls is falling pregnant.
Boroughs with the highest teenage pregnancy rates include Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham and Haringey while Richmond, Kingston and Harrow have the lowest.
Although London's overall rate has fallen, more than one in four boroughs has failed to reduce its teen pregnancy rate.
The report found that the capital's rate of sexually transmitted infections remains above the national average, and 16 to 24-year-olds account for nearly half the sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in specialist London clinics.
The committee said there was not enough education about sex and relationships in London schools and a lack of leadership on the issue.
"Whilst we welcome the achievements and improvements made by PCTs (primary care trusts) and their partners since our 2005 report on this topic, our most recent investigation shows that Londoners' sexual health remains worryingly poor," said committee Chairman James Cleverly.
The committee has already found that sexual health clinics that have appealed more to youngsters by altering decor and appearing less clinical are proving the most successful, and this could be mirrored in other clinics.
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