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06/02/2004
Young people warned of dangers of 'Sex Lottery'
A new series of hard-hitting adverts warning young people of the risks of unsafe sex have been launched today by the Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson.
The 'Sex Lottery' campaign is targeted specifically at sexually active 18-30 year olds with advertising timed to coincide with the Valentine's period. Ads will run in national tabloid newspapers, across radio stations and online media from Monday February 9.
The campaign is being launched at a time of concern about poor sexual health and rising numbers of STIs among younger age groups. Spoof Valentine's cards will also warn young people of the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson said: "It's vital that we tackle the rising numbers of sexually transmitted infections and improve sexual health. This campaign is aimed at targeting those most at risk by using thought-provoking imagery and direct language."
Paul Ward, Deputy Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust pointed to their recent survey which showed that 62% of 18-24 year olds said they didn't have enough information about the risks of unprotected sex.
He added: "These new Valentine's adverts will help get some important messages across about the importance of safer sex in a fun and accessible way. We'd like people to remember their Valentine's night for all the right reasons."
Figures for England have revealed that instances of sexual transmitted infections had risen across the board since 2001.
Cases of chlamydia increased 16% in men and 13% in women (14% overall) from 68,246 cases to 78,137 cases between 2001 and 2002 – and between 1996 and 2002 there has been a 139% increase in cases of chlamydia.
Gonorrhoea increased 9% from 22,413 cases to 24,397 cases between 2001 and 2002. The highest rates of gonorrohoea and chlamydia in 2002 were in females under 20 years old and males aged 20-24 years old.
Cases of syphilis have also risen by two thirds, from 717 cases to 1,193 cases from 2001 to 2002.
Between 1992 and 2002 new episodes of STIs seen at specialist clinics in England more than doubled from 666,244 to 1,478,847.
(gmcg)
The 'Sex Lottery' campaign is targeted specifically at sexually active 18-30 year olds with advertising timed to coincide with the Valentine's period. Ads will run in national tabloid newspapers, across radio stations and online media from Monday February 9.
The campaign is being launched at a time of concern about poor sexual health and rising numbers of STIs among younger age groups. Spoof Valentine's cards will also warn young people of the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson said: "It's vital that we tackle the rising numbers of sexually transmitted infections and improve sexual health. This campaign is aimed at targeting those most at risk by using thought-provoking imagery and direct language."
Paul Ward, Deputy Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust pointed to their recent survey which showed that 62% of 18-24 year olds said they didn't have enough information about the risks of unprotected sex.
He added: "These new Valentine's adverts will help get some important messages across about the importance of safer sex in a fun and accessible way. We'd like people to remember their Valentine's night for all the right reasons."
Figures for England have revealed that instances of sexual transmitted infections had risen across the board since 2001.
Cases of chlamydia increased 16% in men and 13% in women (14% overall) from 68,246 cases to 78,137 cases between 2001 and 2002 – and between 1996 and 2002 there has been a 139% increase in cases of chlamydia.
Gonorrhoea increased 9% from 22,413 cases to 24,397 cases between 2001 and 2002. The highest rates of gonorrohoea and chlamydia in 2002 were in females under 20 years old and males aged 20-24 years old.
Cases of syphilis have also risen by two thirds, from 717 cases to 1,193 cases from 2001 to 2002.
Between 1992 and 2002 new episodes of STIs seen at specialist clinics in England more than doubled from 666,244 to 1,478,847.
(gmcg)
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