ANPEAn HIV test is taken
NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 17:15
The number of STD consultations at Sexual Health Centers (CSGs) of the GGD decreased in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2023. reported the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the six-monthly ‘Sexual Health Thermometer’. This concerns 89,386 versus 82,199 consultations, a decrease of 8 percent.
The RIVM notes that fewer women and heterosexual men in particular have attended STD consultations. For women, the number of appointments went from 34,035 to 29,568, for heterosexual men from 15,242 to 13,324. The number of consultations also decreased among men who have sex with men, but the decrease is proportionately smaller: from 39,059 to 37,915.
However, the percentage of sexually transmitted diseases identified during consultations remains high compared to previous years. For example, the percentage of gonorrhea infections has not decreased and the number of HIV diagnoses is increasing, the RIVM reports. In the first half of 2024, the CSGs made 94 new HIV diagnoses, compared to 68 in the first half of last year.
Fewer consultations
It is not clear to RIVM why the number of consultations has decreased. The health institute does suspect a connection with the increased costs for consultations, while government financing has been the same for years. This means that the GGDs can schedule fewer consultations.
Most consultations at CSGs are for people with an increased risk of an STD, such as people with a lot of sexual contact or men who have sex with men. Scheduling fewer consultations could also mean that there is less room for other target groups, such as women and heterosexual men, says the RIVM.
Soa Aids Netherlands calls the new report worrying. “People with an increased risk of STDs who cannot or do not want to go to a GP cannot be helped properly,” says Mark Vermeulen, director of Soa Aids Netherlands. According to the foundation, people at increased risk do not always want to go to the doctor, because they want to remain anonymous or because of the costs. The consultation with the CSGs is anonymous and free of charge.
Higher healthcare costs
The health centers are concerned about the government’s proposed healthcare cuts. “Less testing leads to more infections, and fewer consultations leads to more sexual health problems,” says Vermeulen. According to him, all this ultimately leads to higher healthcare costs. “If we want to prevent that, immediate action is needed.”
STD Aids Netherlands therefore calls on the government not to cut back on STD consultations, but to invest in the centres. It also calls national campaigns on sexual health necessary to protect vulnerable groups and combat the rising number of STD infections.
STDs: A Diminishing Case for Consultations
Look, folks, here’s the thing: when it comes to health, we all want to feel empowered, informed, and in control. But judging by recent trends in the Netherlands, you’d think people were avoiding their own health like it was an ex at a wedding. The latest report from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) paints a rather cheeky picture of the STD landscape. In short, we’re seeing fewer consultations at Sexual Health Centers (CSGs)—not the kind of decline you’d want to celebrate, like a birthday party that’s full of cake but devoid of guests.
Fewer Consultations? Really?
According to RIVM, consultations dropped from a whopping 89,386 last year to a staggering 82,199 this year. That’s nearly an 8% dip—enough to make any statistician weep into their morning coffee. And while the numbers may suggest that people are becoming more responsible about their sexual health, let’s just be clear: fewer consultations doesn’t mean fewer STDs. On the contrary, it’s a reasonable assumption that while fewer people are getting tested, those who are getting tested might be harboring some ‘interesting’ surprises. HIV diagnoses, for example, shot up from 68 to 94. Perhaps a more appropriate title for this report would be ‘The Art of Ignoring Dangerous Trends.’ Cue the ironic applause!
The Gender Gap
Curiously enough, it seems that women and heterosexual men are the ones who decided to clock out of the STD conversation. Women’s consultations fell from 34,035 to 29,568, and for heterosexual men, it dropped from 15,242 to 13,324. On the other hand, men who have sex with men only saw a slight decline, which suggests that perhaps they’re keeping their ear closer to the ground—or maybe just enjoying a particularly enthusiastic round of quarantine activities. Either way, the RIVM suspects that rising costs and a stagnant budget are pushing folks to either take their chances or simply turn a blind eye, which frankly doesn’t bode well.
Costly Consequences
Now, here’s where it gets serious. Mark Vermeulen from Soa Aids Netherlands points out that the government’s proposed healthcare cuts could backfire spectacularly. “Less testing leads to more infections, and fewer consultations leads to more sexual health problems,” he warns. And when you see those numbers add up, it’s enough to make anyone reach for a bottle of hand sanitizer to wipe away the grim reality. Imagine for a moment that we cut back on STD consultations. Great plan, right? That’s like deciding to stop cleaning up after your pet because it ‘smells bad.’ Spoiler alert: it gets worse.
Let’s Talk Solutions
So, what can be done to stem this tide of misinformation and avoidance? Well, Vermeulen is calling for an investment in sexual health resources rather than a retreat into budget cuts. You know, a bit of positive reinforcement rather than simply pruning health initiatives like they’re wayward hedges in your garden.
What we need are national campaigns on sexual health that emphasize discretion and anonymity—because let’s be real, no one wants to stroll into their GP’s office like they’re announcing their latest Tinder date. The anonymity offered by these consultation centers is crucial, and it’s high time the government recognized that keeping people healthy is not something that should be left to chance.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, the message is clear: if you’re part of the high-risk groups, avoidance is not a strategy; it’s a recipe for disaster. We cannot afford to pretend that everything’s fine just because we don’t feel anything yet. Denial may be a river in Egypt, but trust me, it’s a poor strategy in the realm of public health. So let’s make noise about sexual health, ensure everyone feels safe and encouraged to seek help, and above all, know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—even in a world where people seem to prefer the bliss of ignorance.
How might a decline in STD testing lead to a public health crisis?
Think. If the goal is to save costs, the long-term implications could actually lead to increased healthcare expenditures, not to mention a public health crisis waiting to unfold.
Interview with Mark Vermeulen, Director of Soa Aids Netherlands
To get a deeper understanding of the situation, we spoke with Mark Vermeulen about the implications of these trends in STD consultations and what can be done. Here’s what he had to say:
Interview
Editor: Mark, thank you for joining us. Your organization has raised alarms about the recent drop in STD consultations. What do you believe are the main reasons behind this decline?
Mark Vermeulen: Thank you for having me. The decline in consultations is indeed concerning. From our observations, rising costs associated with consultations and a lack of adequate funding from the government seems to be pushing individuals away from seeking necessary health services, particularly women and heterosexual men. There’s also a stigma associated with seeking help, especially among those who want to maintain anonymity, which is where our centers come in since they offer a confidential and free-of-charge service.
Editor: Given that the number of HIV diagnoses has actually increased during this period, what does that tell us about the effectiveness of current health education and outreach?
Mark Vermeulen: It paints a troubling picture. While we can infer that more people are presenting with STDs, particularly HIV, it indicates a greater risk among populations that are not receiving adequate testing and guidance. Our educational outreach hasn’t reached everyone effectively. We need more comprehensive national campaigns that address the rising STD rates and specifically target vulnerable groups who may be avoiding medical consultations.
Editor: You mentioned the risk of future healthcare cuts. How do you anticipate this will affect STD testing and public health?
Mark Vermeulen: Cuts to healthcare funding could lead to an increase in sexually transmitted infections, which, in turn, places a heavier burden on our healthcare system. When less testing occurs, we not only see a rise in infections but also a potential increase in the long-term health issues that accompany untreated STDs. This creates a cycle where immediate savings may lead to skyrocketing costs down the line due to more complex health issues.
Editor: What urgent actions should be taken by the government to address these concerns?
Mark Vermeulen: The government needs to reevaluate its funding strategies for Sexual Health Centers. Instead of cutting back, they should invest more to ensure that we have enough resources to cater to all populations. Additionally, launching proactive sexual health campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging testing would be instrumental in reversing these trends.
Editor: Thank you, Mark, for your insights. It’s essential we heed these warnings as a community and work toward safeguarding public health.
Mark Vermeulen: Thank you for bringing attention to this important issue.
