New guidance issued on sexually transmitted infections: condom distribution schemes

Posted on 7 April 2017

Researcher from the Department of Health Sciences involved in producing new guidelines to cover condom distribution schemes

Dr Amanda Mason-Jones, Senior Lecturer, Global Public Health, from the Department, has been involved in producing new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines to cover condom distribution schemes.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In addition, the scheme can provide a good introduction to broader sexual and reproductive health services, especially for younger people.

Dr Mason-Jones said: "Sexually transmitted infections continue to be a significant public health problem with some infections such as gonorrhoea having the potential to become untreatable in the UK. Using condoms consistently and correctly can really help to reduce this risk. The NICE guidance will provide local authorities, and others who are involved in distributing condoms, with guidance and tools to support local schemes. It has also highlighted gaps in the research evidence in the UK which means that we can really begin to make a difference."

Information on the guidance can be found at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG68.