Sexual health promotion
Sexual health is an important part of physical and mental health, as well as emotional and social well being. The Department works with a wide range of organisations to prevent sexual ill health and promote sexual health among the population of Northern Ireland
Sexual Health Action Plan 2023 – 2026
This Action Plan has been developed by the Department of Health, working closely with the Public Health Agency, other government Departments and sexual health stakeholders. The plan aims to co-ordinate the ongoing direction for sexual health improvement in Northern Ireland and foster an environment of collaborative working to improve collective achievement of shared goals and outcomes, ultimately leading to better sexual health outcomes for the population.
It is intended that the Action Plan will function as a working document, to be reviewed and updated periodically in line with progress and developments made against key objectives.
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cause a wide range of illnesses and can have long-term effects on people's lives. STIs include Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, HIV and Syphilis.
More information on STIs, relationships and Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) and sexual health clinics is available at the Sexual Health Northern Ireland website, managed by the Public Health Agency.
Information on sexual health and HIV is also available on NI Direct.
Sexual health and HIV data
The Public Health Agency collects data on sexual health services and STIs diagnosed in GUM clinics in Northern Ireland. The surveillance arrangements for HIV/AIDS infection are based largely on the confidential reporting of HIV infected individuals to the Public Health England's Centre for Infections in London.
Annual reports on STI and HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland are published on the Public Health Agency's website.
The department's survey of lifestyle choices and behaviour gathers information on a range of sexual health issues amongst young people and adults in Northern Ireland.
Teenage Pregnancy
Unplanned pregnancy and parenthood can have an important impact on individuals, and in particular, young people. Teenage pregnancy is associated with poor educational achievement, poor physical and mental health, social isolation and poverty. The 'Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy and Action Plan (2002-2007)' aimed to reduce the number of births to teenage mothers and minimise the impact of early parenthood. Action to prevent teenage pregnancy was then integrated into the sexual health promotion strategy and action plan.