Local councils will now be able to commission sexual health services as the Government seeks to tackle what can often be a 'hidden problem'.
The Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England sets out the Government's ambitions for improving sexual health, and is designed to be used by local organisations when they are looking at how best to provide sexual health services in their area.
This includes the need for a fall in the number of unwanted pregnancies and greater efforts to prevent STIs and HIV, as well as an increase in the number of people in high-risk groups being tested for HIV.
There is also a focus on building an honest and open culture where everyone is able to make informed and responsible choices about relationships and sex, making sure that everyone has rapid and easy access to appropriate sexual health services, as well as offering counseling to all women who request an abortion so they can discuss the options and choices available with a trained counselor.
Steve Brine said: "This strategy has been long-awaited and needs careful study but it is welcome and very much needed. I have visited the sexual health clinic at Winchester Hospital and it's very clear we are not immune from the shocking STD figures being reported across this country.
"We need a sensible balance of education and treatment to get on top of this problem and we need to break some of the taboo's around the subject so people are not afraid to talk about it."
Public Health Minister Anna Soubry said: "Despite some improvements, sexual health in England could be a lot better. We need to work together to see a more open and honest culture around sex and relationships. We want to encourage a culture which enables people to make informed decisions free from stigma, coercion and abuse. Sexual health can be a hidden problem, unspoken about among families and friends, and we need to work hard to change that.
"To cut rates of STIs, and to increase access to contraception and thereby reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, we need a concerted effort from everyone, but especially local councils who will start commissioning services from 1 April. With the launch of Public Health England, there is a real opportunity for local councils to make renewed efforts to improve the sexual health of their communities."
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