News | RIVM

Number of STI tests at sexual health centres are rising again

In 2021, more than 138,000 people were tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a centre for sexual health.

More STI tests conducted by Sexual Health Centres

In 2021, more people visited a Sexual Health Centre (SHC) to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than in 2020. This figure is still lower than in 2019, the year before the coronavirus outbreak.

Levels of salt, saturated fat, and sugar in most foods has remained the same or decreased

The levels of salt, saturated fat, and sugar in most processed foods has remained the same or decreased since 2018.

Young people who use screens before sleeping have more sleep problems

Young people (13-18 years) who use light-emitting screens daily in the hour before going to sleep have more sleep problems.

More gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia at Dutch STI clinics

An increasing number of clients tested at a Dutch STI clinic for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is diagnosed with gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia.

Less salt in certain foods, sugar contents remain unchanged

The salt content in bread was on average 19 percent lower compared to 2011. In addition, certain types of sauces, soups, canned vegetables and pulses, and crisps had a lower salt content.

Eating less salt can prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes

Lowering the amount of salt in processed foods or choosing low-salt alternatives can lead to substantial health benefits when it comes to cardiovascular disease.

The number of STI tests keeps increasing

The number of clients tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at Dutch STI clinics has increased since 2004.

Lower salt contents in some foods, but similar saturated fat contents

Some foods contain less salt in 2014 compared with 2011. According to research by RIVM the salt content of bread was 21 percent lower in 2011.

Is screening for sexually transmitted infections as part of HIV care cost-effective in the Netherlands?

Routine screening for anorectal chlamydia among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) could avert further spread of chlamydia and HIV in the total MSM population.