Netherlands sees big rises in levels of sexually transmitted diseases

The number of Dutch citizens tested HIV positive surged by an alarming 22 percent last year compared with 2004, according to a provisional report published by Dutch health agency RIVM in Brussels on Wednesday.

The study by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) also found that the number of Chlamydia cases in the country rose by 15 percent last year compared with a year earlier.

The national institute on sexual infection, Soa AIDS Nederland, described the figures as "alarming" and called for better monitoring of the high-risk groups, including gay and bisexual men.

The organization said Chlamydia is mainly a problem in big cities and therefore municipal councils should run better information campaigns to warn people of the dangers.

The Dutch national AIDS fund is investing 300,000 euros this year in the battle against HIV among gay men in the major cities.

Dutch Health Minister Hans Hoogervorst provided additional funds at the end of 2004 to combat the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the non-native Dutch population. He is also encouraging better coordination among groups dealing with STDs.

Source: Xinhua