Release date: 14 September 2026
West Sussex County Council is encouraging young women to take up regular chlamydia testing after screening rates among 15 to 24-year-olds fell over the past year.
Public health officials are concerned that declining rates of routine chlamydia screening in this group—which dropped from 15.3% to 14.4% in West Sussex between 2024 and 2025—may mean infections are not being detected.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, with rates highest in sexually active young people aged 15 to 24. If left untreated, the infection can lead to serious reproductive complications, particularly affecting women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Kayleigh Nichols, a specialist sexual health nurse in West Sussex, said: "Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, so regular testing is the only way to know whether you have the infection. We encourage all sexually active women in this age group to get tested every year or whenever they change sexual partners."
To help improve access to testing, the council's Public Health team and NHS partners are promoting the availability of free, discreet home testing kits. Residents can order these online to complete at home and return them free using a prepaid envelope.
Young people aged 15 – 24 can also collect free home testing kits from 45 participating pharmacies across West Sussex. If a test comes back positive, these same pharmacies can provide free treatment.
"Home testing kits are quick, free, and easy to use, helping people access treatment early," added Kayleigh Nichols. "Anyone who prefers face-to-face support, confidential advice, testing, and treatment can still approach their local sexual health clinic."
Highlighting Sexual Health Awareness Week, Cllr Ian Davey, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The fall in young people taking part in routine chlamydia screening is concerning, as left untreated, the infection can lead to serious reproductive complications, particularly for women. That's why we're encouraging young people to take advantage of these free, confidential services and make sexual health a routine part of looking after their wellbeing. Because testing is very simple, we hope more people will take this small step to protect their future health."
Residents can find out how to order a free STI home testing kit for chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, and gonorrhoea, or book a clinic appointment at https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/SAFE
Help shape the future of sexual health in West Sussex.
Share your views on the proposed priorities for a new countywide sexual health plan, designed to reduce inequalities, improve access to services and support better health and wellbeing. Complete our short survey by 1.55pm on Sunday 18 October 2026. https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/shsf-survey
Sexual Health Awareness Week runs from 14 to 20 September 2026
