CHLAMYDIA SCREENING IN ENGLAND

That this House recognises that one in 14 of those aged between 15 and 24 who test for chlamydia is infected; notes that chlamydia often has no obvious symptoms; further notes that, if left untreated, it can lead to conditions including infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease as well as onward transmission of the infection to sexual partners; further recognises that chlamydia screening in England is now cost-effective according to the Health Protection Agency's modelling; welcomes the National Audit Office's review of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme which demonstrates how further savings could be made whilst increasing diagnosis and treatment of the infection; and calls on the Secretary of State for Health to reform and maintain the delivery of opportunistic chlamydia screening for young people in England to reverse the epidemic and instil good attitudes towards sexual health in young people.