A new campaign urging young Territorians to practice Safe Sex in a bid to reduce the rates of STIs across this age group will be unveiled today.
The 12 month Safe Sex No Regrets campaign includes television advertising, posters, pamphlets, a website and a screensaver to promote safe sex messages and raise awareness of the importance of regular sexual health checks.
Wendy Armstrong of the Sexual Health Unit said health authorities have developed the campaign to tackle STI infection rates in young Territorians, particularly in urban areas, which are similar to trends in other states.
"The rates of Chlamydia in Territorians between the ages of 15 to 25 is a concern to health authorities because the infection is asymptomatic, so often people are unaware they are infected.
"This campaign aims to encourage young people to practise safe sex by using condoms and get tested regularly for STIs.
"Chlamydia is known as the 'silent infection' because it often does not show obvious signs or symptoms and so up to 70% of people with the infection do not know they have it.
"Because many sexually transmitted infections don't show any symptoms it is very important to have regular sexual health checks, particularly where people have new or casual partners," she said.
The campaign will also highlight to young people that infections can be prevented.
"Sexual health checks don't have to be embarrassing because they are non-intrusive and can be self-administered," Ms Armstrong said.
Free sexual health checks are available at Clinic 34 and other free and confidential clinics.
The 'Safe Sex No Regrets' campaign will air on Territory television screens and be seen in high schools, pubs and clubs from tomorrow.
Visit http://www.safesexnoregrets.nt.gov.au for more information.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Media are invited to talk with Wendy Armstrong.
Where: Monsoons Café, 46 Mitchell St, Darwin
When: 3:30pm
Release date: 11 September 2008
