Public Health England launches new campaign

SHOCKING STI statistics among young people across the UK have triggered a new Public Health England campaign.  

 The first government-led health campaign for more than eight years has been launched to tackle the rise in STI’s for 16-24-year-olds. “Protect against STI’s” is working to encourage the use of condoms much more frequently with the 16-24-year-old age range.

A recent YouGov survey of 2,007 young people revealed attitudes towards condoms and discussing sexual health. 

Some of the findings were a concern with nearly half  of sexually active young people saying they never use a condom with a new sexual partner.

Dianne Draper, Sexual Health Lead at Public Health England North West, comments: “Rates of STIs among young people continue to be too high and it is concerning that many sexually active young people are not using condoms with new sexual partners.

“Six in ten of chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosis are in those under 25-years old. So it’s imperative that we remind young people to use condoms if having sexual intercourse with a new or casual partner.”

Additionally, Tom Haywood, senior brand manager at Durex UK, said: “STI rates remain high amongst young people in England and we want young people to know that sex can be fun and safe, if you wear a condom.

“There is still a perception for many that condoms reduce pleasure and fun, but condoms should be a key part of positive sexual activity as they help protect against STIs.

“Through this campaign, Durex wants to help educate young people around condom use and help reduce levels of STIs”

Below are two videos, one is Public Health Englands campaign video and the other is a short interview with a student, Bethan Abel, who got a shock herself at a Sexual health clinic.