7 April 2017

New campaign to combat rising number of sexually transmitted infections

Aboriginal youth are the focus of a new campaign that aims to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infection rates.

The campaign was developed in close consultation with an Aboriginal reference group consisting of Aboriginal health workers and leaders from regional and metropolitan areas and will reinforce prevention and testing messages.

The campaign, which will feature on TV, radio, social media and in WA health clinics, will promote the importance of safe sex for Aboriginal people aged 17-29 years old.

It will also direct young people to the couldihaveit site (external site) where they can get a quick, easy and free STI self-assessment. If their assessment suggests they need a STI test, they can instantly complete a simple PathWest form referring them to services across WA.

The campaign is one of a suite of efforts aimed at reducing rates of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses among at-risk groups across Western Australia.

To complement the Aboriginal sexual health campaign, the Department of Health is also currently running an annual online STI testing campaign, targeting young people aged 15-24 years; a youth campaign, for people aged 13-17 years; and a blood-borne virus prevention and testing campaign, targeting Aboriginal people aged 17-29 years.

The Department of Health is also planning a gonorrhoea social media campaign, targeting people aged 25-35 years of age, following a 49 per cent increase in gonorrhea notifications over the past year.

Learn more about STIs and how to get tested at couldihaveit.com.au (external site).