With the milestone of the 35th year of Belfast Pride, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the progress that has been made in recent years in helping to reduce stigma and protect the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The PHA is encouraging open conversations about both mental and sexual health as doing so can help empower and support people to make choices that will help protect and support their health and wellbeing.
Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “We want to get as many people as possible talking openly about their sexual health – this includes discussing and understanding their options around helping to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), alongside testing and vaccination and how this can have a positive impact on how we all live our lives
“Talking openly with our partners about our likes, dislikes and boundaries, choosing to always use protection and getting vaccinated if eligible to help protect against certain infections are fundamental in supporting positive mental and physical health. They also enable us to have healthy, loving relationships. Speaking openly with your partner to understand each other’s sexual history can also help end the stigma associated with STIs.
“Over the past five years, diagnoses of some STIs in Northern Ireland have increased, reflecting wider UK trends, and although early data suggests the situation may be improving, it shows how we all still need to be alert to the risks and take steps to help protect ourselves.
“The good news is that access to and take up of testing for HIV and other STIs has increased in recent years with access to free home testing kits alongside the support offered from GUM clinics and GPs.”
There have also been several important developments in STI prevention in recent years that can help reduce transmission:
- Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) vaccination has already had a significant impact, contributing to a 50% reduction in first diagnoses of anogenital warts between 2019 and 2024.
- Gonorrhoea vaccination was introduced in Northern Ireland in 2025
- Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) was also introduced in 2025 for specific groups. If Doxypep is taken after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours (and no later than 72), it has been shown to help reduce the risk of syphilis and chlamydia.
- The advancements in HIV treatment and care over the past few decades are astonishing. Today, someone diagnosed early with HIV will be able to access highly effective treatment, for free, which means they can lead a full and healthy life. Someone on this treatment cannot pass HIV to a sexual partner or anyone else.
- A rise in mpox cases globally has seen the introduction of the mpox vaccine being rolled out to help protect against all types of mpox. Those eligible for the vaccine include gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, and those who participate in group sex or attend sex on premises venues. Staff who work in these premises or who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive are also eligible.
Testing and early treatment remain essential for helping to reduce STI rates.SH24 is available as part of health services in Northern Ireland. SH24, which is available at www.sh24.org.uk provides free access to STI testing as well as information about sexual health.
Shauna Houston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Taking care of our mental and sexual health is a positive action that we all can take to help look after one another. We know that people who are part of LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and other mental health issues due to various societal issues including discrimination and social isolation.
“If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health, the PHA encourages you to reach out for help and support. Talking to someone is often the first step towards feeling better. It is vital to start the conversation with those around you. You might be hesitant, but talking really does help.”
Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline for people experiencing distress or despair and can be reached on 0808 808 8000. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Calls to Lifeline are free answered by qualified counsellors.
Further information on Lifeline visit www.LifelineHelpine.info and for more on support for those in the LGBTQIA+ community can be found on the PHA website www.MindingYourHead.info
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Notes to editors:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Northern Ireland 2023 –
www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis-northern-ireland-2023
The PHA website www.sexualhealthni.info provides reliable, trusted and confidential information on all aspects of sexual health and wellbeing including:
- Protection – if you are sexually active, information on preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including information on vaccination and DoxyPep;
- Testing – get to know about where to go to get tested if you have been at risk of an STI;
- Consent – support on understanding personal boundaries, trusting your instinct and knowing you can always say ‘No’ to any situation that makes you uncomfortable.
Mpox vaccine:
Mpox can be passed on through close physical contact, including during sex. The mpox vaccine is safe and it works. It’s particularly beneficial for men who have multiple male sexual partners, or who go to sex-on-premises venues.
Information on the vaccine used to prevent mpox is available at: www.pha.site/mpoxinfo