Further information on sexual health in Southwark

Sexually transmitted infections
There have been large increases in the number of sexually transmitted infections seen in clinics in South East London.  Chlamydia, by far the most common infection, more than doubled between 1995 and 2003, with 3,840 cases seen in 2003.  Gonorrhoea increased by 27% between 1995 and 2003. There have also been increases in the number of cases of syphilis and genital herpes over this period. 

HIV
Prevalence of HIV in Southwark is high compared to London and England. The prevalence rate in Southwark is almost double the London rate and is eight times the England rate and the total number of people living with HIV has been rising year on year since 1996. 

Source: Survey of Prevalent Diagnosed HIV Infections, CDSC.

Teenage conceptions
In 2004, the conception rate in under-18 year-olds in Southwark was the highest in England (85.2 per 1000 women aged 15-17 years). Lambeth was not far behind with the second highest rate in England (84.0 per 1,000 women aged 15-17 years). These local rates are about double the London and national (England & Wales) rates of 43 and 42 per 1,000 respectively.  

The trend for teenage conceptions in Southwark is worrying, with local rates showing very little decline (2.3% between 1998 and 2004) compared to the national decrease of 11% over the same period.

Trends in annual teenage pregnancy rates, Southwark and England, 1998 to 2004

Source: Office of National Statistics and Teenage Pregnancy Unit 

The teenage conception rate varies considerably across Southwark and is fairly closely correlated with deprivation.

Most (61%) of the pregnancies to Southwark teenagers are terminated.