Sexual Health Awareness 2019

The Health Directorate has chosen the working week Monday, 2 December, to Friday, 6December 2019, to continue their health initiative on ‘Sexual Health Awareness’.

This week is part of an ongoing effort to reach all age groups on St Helena to raise awareness and allow people the opportunity to access services and support for all sexual health matters, starting with the topic of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – ‘Pass It On’ Campaign.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that people of various age groups are still not educated or perhaps not using the knowledge they have on the prevention of STIs. There is a steady number of certain STIs presenting in clinics, in particular Chlamydia and Genital Herpes. 

The aim of the week is to focus on the most prevalent STIs on St Helena and raise awareness in general on the prevention, testing and treatments available. The Health Directorate would also like to explore other possible contributing factors for example access to support and treatment and possible stigma around attending clinics with STIs.

What is happening during the week?

  • Commencing Monday, 2December, students of Prince Andrew School will receive a presentation focusing on World AIDS Day which is recognised on 1 December each year. This assembly will also be used to remind students of what HIV, is with age appropriate, basic information on transmission, prevention and treatment
  • All Government workplaces were invited to receive a presentation on basic STI information – those who have taken up the offer will be given the presentation throughout this week along with the option to be screened for the STI Chlamydia and HIV at their workplace or at another appropriate time and venue
  • Throughout the week both Radio Stations will broadcast talks by professionals on some of the most prevalent STIs
  • The public is also invited to drop in at the Jamestown Community Centre on Wednesday, 4 December, between 2pm and 5pm if you would like information, counselling and guidance on STIs prevention, testing and treatment.  Don’t miss this opportunity!

Anyone requiring information and screening for STIs, and/or if workplaces or other organisations who would like to request a presentation on this or other sexual health topics in the future, can call: 22500 ext: 2095 and speak to a nurse.

#StHelena #HealthDirectorate #STI #SexualHealth

SHG
26 November 2019

St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: kimberley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh