AN initiative to battle the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the western area, the Pharmacy Chlamydia Screening Service, has been launched by the Western Health and Social Services Board.

Delivered by three Boots pharmacies in Omagh, Strabane and Derry, the pilot scheme until May 31 will allow members of the public to consult with specially trained pharmacists in a confidential area.

The pharmacist will provide a test kit free of charge and, should the person test positive, treatment can be provided by the pharmacy.

Speaking at the launch, Joe Brogan, director of Pharmaceutical Services, WHSSB, said, "This local pilot project builds on similar projects that have been undertaken in the UK. Pharmacies are ideal locations for the delivery of such services as they are readily accessible by many of the people who want Chlamydia tests.

"The success of this pilot will not only be measured by changes in the numbers of number of individuals screened and treated but also by the numbers of individuals accessing other sexual health services. It is important to note, that should any individual have a concern over sexual health matters, they should contact their GP, Family Planning Clinic or the local Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic in Altnagelvin."

Genital Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) infection is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. It has risen steadily since the mid-1990s, and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland diagnoses rose by 14% (71,909 to 82,206) between 2001and 2002, a rise of 13% in females and 16% in males. In 2002, the highest rates of genital chlamydial infection were among 16-19 year old females (1,209/100,000) and 20-24 year old males (842/100000).

Over 123,000 people visit a community pharmacy each day in Northern Ireland, providing a unique opportunity to deliver health promotion messages.