Issue 149

New sexual health campaign launched

20th November 2006

The government has released a new £4 million advertising campaign promoting sexual health.

Public Health Minister, Caroline Flint, who is heading the campaign, said "The aim of this campaign is to make carrying and using a condom…as familiar as carrying a mobile phone, lipstick or putting on a seat belt." The advertising campaign will span across the mass media including, television, magazine, radio and the internet. The campaign will be launched on Monday 20 November on Channel four and Channel five. The campaign is planning to prioritise their campaign to pre Christmas and pre Valentines day periods, times of the year where rates of STI contraction are traditionally higher.

Television adverts will show couples getting together with an STI emblazed on their clothing and jewellery, to illustrate the glaring severity of the situation.

As well as promoting the use of condoms, the campaign hopes to modernize sexual services by under-25 chlamydia screening, 48- hour GU clinic access and a better and easier access to contraception.

The new sexual health campaign will work together with other Government initiative campaigns such as 'R U Thinking?' and 'Want Respect? Use a condom' to help combat the spread of STIs and teenage pregnancy.

Miles Goodman, Student Union Welfare Officer, also adds 'shocking statistics such as 1 in 7 people have an STI and only 20% of sexually active people carry condoms, obviously highlights the fact that STIs are getting out of control.' Students Union regards its 'Sex Safety' campaign as one of its priority campaigns and supports the new advertising campaign. The 'Love Chicken' has been a welcome new addition to the Students Union, handing out condoms (which now come in regular, large and extra safe which Goodman claims "will cater for all!") at various events. Goodman says "The Love Chicken is a representative of our campaign, people respond better to a more active campaign which is hopefully what the Love Chicken provides!"

Student Union will also be holding an event in DV8 on Friday 1 December to celebrate World Aids Day. 'There will be a theme where student will dress in red and will be able to buy the red ribbon pins to help raise money for aids charities' says Goodman. Goodman also revealed that further campaigns are being planned by the Student Union. Look out for the possibility of erotically positioned mannequins.

Natalie Kow