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You and I can prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections
National Department of Health Statement. 08 February 2006.
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This year?’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)/Condom Week (12 ?– 18 February 2006) theme is - ?“Just the two of us can prevent STIs?” ?– which aims to inspire individuals to seek STI treatment before they infect or re-infect their sexual partners.
STI/Condom Week has always been a priority for the Department of Health, and this year, the campaign?’s messages promote abstinence and faithfulness, and also advocate correct and consistent condom use and partner notification among sexually active people.
"The SA Health Review 2005 results reflect that the rate of partner notification has doubled from 39% in 2000 to 83% in 2004. However, the percentage of individuals whose partners were subsequently treated has only increased from 15% to 24% during these four years. Although this indicates progress and a modest impact made by the public awareness campaigns and health services, we cannot stop here. There is a lot more that needs to be done to inform, educate and empower both women and men to reduce the incidence of STIs through prevention and to improve treatment rates, ?“said Thami Skenjana, Director of Governments AIDS Action Plan and Khomanani spokesperson.
The STI/Condom Week campaign is implemented through the government?’s HIV and AIDS communications campaign, Khomanani and it consists of several elements:
- A TV advert that promotes safer sex;
- An innovative and daring ?“soap opera style?” radio campaign that generates dialogue on STIs;
- Promoting positive messages through public and media relations;
- The national STI event for the community, scheduled to take place on February 12th in Ratanda, Gauteng; and
- Distribution of pamphlets and leaflets through clinics, municipal offices, NGOs and other partners.
In 2004, the Department of Health redesigned the public sector condom as Choice?™. Latest distribution data for 2005 indicate that more than 325 million Choice?™ condoms were distributed through various public and private sector outlets.
Government will continue to focus efforts on the ABC strategy. "Abstain from sex before a stable relationship, Be Faithful to a partner and, if A or B is not applicable, then practice safe sex by Condomising,?” urged Skenjana.
?“I know that STIs are not an easy illness to acknowledge, but untreated infections can be dangerous. Repercussions include infertility; they hinder the quality of one?’s sexual relations and increase the risk of contracting HIV. STIs are curable and treatment is free at all public health facilities. Our health professionals are fully trained and are equipped to manage STI treatment in a confidential and professional manner,?” concluded the Skenjana.
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