KCC issues free test reminder to help boost county’s STI detection rates

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Health and wellbeing

Home testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are free for Kent residents via Kent County Council’s (KCC’s) website at www.kent.gov.uk/sexualhealth.

The reminder that free screening kits can be delivered direct to your home, or nominated, address follows further statistics that show STI rates continue to rise.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently highlighted a concerning increase in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea infections in England, along with syphilis.

In Kent, case rates for some common STIs such as chlamydia are also heading back up to pre-pandemic levels.

While these local rates are below the national average, so is Kent’s STI testing rate so Kent residents are urged to get tested.

This is particularly important for those most at risk, who include:

  • Young people aged 15–24 – because they are most sexually active
  • Communities where sexual health is a taboo subject – so people may not be aware of the risks of STIs, how to avoid them and where to get help if they get an infection
  • People with more than one partner, or who have recently changed partner
Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz

“STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, though many can cause serious health issues if ignored”

Dr Ellen Schwartz KCC Deputy Director of Public Health

Kent County Council’s Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: “Using condoms consistently and correctly protects against STIs and regular screening is essential to maintain good sexual health.

“It’s particularly important to have a STI screen, including a HIV test, at least once a year if you are having condomless sex with new or casual partners.

“For your own health and others, it’s also vital to get tested if you think you have an infection. STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, though many can cause serious health issues if ignored.”

Councillor Dan Watkins

“...please do take up this hassle-free offer to get checked”

Dan Watkins Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “Our home testing service is free for Kent residents and the kits come in discreet packaging and are easy to use. Your results are then sent to you via a method of your choice so please do take up this hassle-free offer to get checked.”

The KCC online STI testing service will recommend testing for chlamydia and HIV but also offers free home testing for:

For more information visit: www.kent.gov.uk/sexualhealth.

Facts and figures:

  • The STI testing rate (excluding chlamydia tests in under-25s) in Kent has increased from 2,844 per 100,000 in 2018 to 3,284 per 100,000 in 2023.
  • The England average STI testing rate is 4,111 per 100,000 (2023).
  • In Kent, the diagnosis rate for gonorrhoea was 78 per 100,000 in 2023. While this is a slight decline from the rate in 2022 (82 per 100,000) it is a 53% increase since 2018 (a rate of 51 per 100,000).
  • The England average diagnosis rate for gonorrhoea for 2023 was 149 per 100,000.
  • Latest sexual health data for England.
  • Latest sexual health data for Kent.