England goes to the polls for its local elections on May 22nd, and leading sexual health bodies are challenging politicians to commit to investing in Sexual and Reproductive Health. The combination of BASHH, BHIVA, Brook, FRSH, FPA, MEDFASH, Terrence Higgins, the National AIDS trust, and the National HIV Nurses Association issued a joint statement:

“Sexual and reproductive health and HIV is an important issue for the whole electorate. In February 2013, the Department of Health published a Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England which set out a series of ambitions that, if achieved, would ensure everyone has the information, support and services they need to lead healthy lives.”

“We call on all those standing for election to provide leadership to achieve these ambitions and to commit to support investment in sexual and reproductive health, including access to all forms of contraception, HIV prevention and testing, and support services.”

Readers will remember that sexual health services in NHS England went out to tender earlier this year. Local services may wish to address their potential representatives about these issues in hustings, or to contact them during free communication sessions locally regarding their commitment to sexual health provision.