Assessing the impact: the National Chlamydia Screening Programme.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection in the UK. Incidence has risen steadily since the mid-1990s with young people in the UK disproportionately affected. Chlamydia and its consequences are estimated to cost the UK more than Pounds 100 million annually. The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) was established in England to control chlamydia through the early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infection. This article critically analyses the NCSP. It focuses on the impact the policy can have on sexual health care in England, barriers to screening and also aims to identify inequalities in health and services. The NCSP has a positive impact on service users; without it, many infected young adults may remain ignorant of chlamydial infection, putting themselves further at risk of poor health. Early diagnosis and treatment of STIs and targeted prevention can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications and also reduce the strain on limited NHS resources.While screening has the potential to improve morbidity and contain risks inherent to chlamydia, it cannot offer a guarantee of protection from chlamydia itself. In order for the NCSP to effectively improve public health, a high uptake of screening needs to be ensured.