Some 315,000 people aged 16 to 29 are to be urged to have themselves tested for the sexually-transmitted disease chlamydia in the first major screening of its kind.

Those targeted will be sent a letter asking them to order an online test. The results will also be posted online. The project is being carried out by the STD prevention agency among youngsters in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and parts of Limburg.
Some 70% of women and 50% of men are not aware of having the disease which can lead to sterility.