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A national campaign launched today aims to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) among Australians, especially young people and Indigenous
people.
The Australian Government has committed $9.8 million to the National STI Prevention
Program to address a worrying rise in chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, and syphilis infections.
* The incidence of chlamydia – which affects women and men – has
risen steadily over the past years. In 2008 there were 58,530 cases of chlamydia
reported in Australia.
* The rate of cases of infectious syphilis increased from 3.1 per 100,000 people
in 2004 to 6.6 per 100,000 in 2007.
* The rate of new HIV diagnoses increased for four years in a row to the end
of 2007. In 2007 there were 983 new notifications of HIV infection.
The campaign theme is:
“STIs are spreading fast – always use a condom”.
It also includes information about the transmission, symptoms, treatment and
prevention of STIs, and encourages young people who have had unprotected sex
to see a doctor about getting tested.
Research for the campaign found that 16 to 29 year old Australians are not
well informed about the benefits of condom use. Heterosexuals mainly use condoms
to prevent pregnancy, while men who have sex with men are becoming complacent
about the risk of HIV.
As well as the Australian research, the campaign is based on international
research and consultation with the states and territories. Guidance was also
taken from an expert reference group including the chair of the Ministerial
Advisory Committee on Blood Borne Viruses and STIs, Professor Michael Kidd.
An important aim of the campaign is to encourage people to think and talk about
STIs. People should not be made to feel ashamed if they have an STI, as this
can prevent them seeking help and treatment.
Early detection and treatment is important. If left untreated, STIs can have
serious, lasting health implications.
The media campaign includes advertising on radio, magazines, outdoor billboards
and the Internet. It will be supported by other activities including use of
the internet, and an Indigenous partnership program.
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about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity.
Any views expressed iin the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose
Ltd.. Material in this news item was released by the Australian based source
listed below on 29 May 2009
and may have been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding
by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please
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