Sexual health care providers fear they could be forced to stop seeing vulnerable and at-risk patients in some parts of the country unless they receive additional government funding. government to cover the costs of dealing with a monkeypox outbreak.
In a letter to NHS England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Department of Health and Social Care, sexual health leaders said on average 25-30% of all services service has been replaced by Monkeypox support since the first case was identified. in early May.
This includes a 90% reduction in access to STI screening in the worst-affected areas, and half of providers needing a 25% reduction in their PrEP delivery to people at risk of transmission. HIV infection.
They say a decline in appointments for evaluation and treatment has led to outbreaks of STIs in some parts of the country.
The letter, signed by the UK HIV Association and the UK HIV and Sexual Health Association, said: “In some cases, this shift financially means clinics are likely to lose out. earning more than £600,000 per quarter.
“This level of income loss risks destabilizing clinics, losing staff and, as some providers have warned us, the potential for some to exit the market.”
Sexual health leaders also say vaccination funding of £15 per dose provided has yet to reach any clinics, does not meet the cost of providing services and does not cover relocation service providers.
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In a separate letter to the Directors of Public Health and Executive Officers at the District Council, they begged the funding not to be withdrawn while they sought additional funding.
“After much lobbying with the government and with NHS England/Improvement, we are still at the stage where these national bodies are constantly asking for proof while the burden on this service remains unfulfilled.” written letter.
“We continue to press them to fund MPX and have repeatedly advised them that the unique nature of this epidemic, the routes of transmission of MPX and its impact should not be seen as sexual health expenditure. ordinary sex.
Responding to the letters, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency, local authorities and NHS England to manage manage pressure on sexual reproductive health services and ensure access to routine services is maintained.
“Public Health Subsidies will increase each of the next three years, enhancing sexual health services and allowing people to access treatments more quickly.”
Analysis by Sky News shows that spending on sexual health clinics has fallen in most local governments in the UK since the service was handed over to responsible local authorities in 2013. according to data from local government revenues and expenditures.
There have been 3,654 confirmed or highly probable cases of Monkey pox since May 6, peaking in mid-July, with about 60 cases per day. That number fell throughout August and continues to fall.
More than 45,000 people received a single dose of Monkeypox vaccine, including about 40,000 gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and who are most at risk of exposure.
Those most at risk continue to be prioritized, but some clinics will offer a second dose for longer-term protection to vulnerable groups two to three months after they receive the first dose, with The NHS invites those who are eligible to continue.
