Reproductive & Sexual Health Awareness Week
During the week of February 7-12th the Department of Health will observe Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week.
The Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball noted today that the Department of Health encourages the community to talk about sexual health: parents should have the conversation with their children, healthcare professionals should have the conversation with their patients, and, most importantly, all sexually active individuals should have the conversation with their partners.
She noted that the Department initiated a “Have the Conversation” campaign late last year.
The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health reports that on average 550 new infections have been diagnosed each year of the past decade and over 75% of these diagnoses were in persons under 30 years of age. Women were also disproportionately affected with two-thirds of all cases being among women.
The most prevalent STI reported was Chlamydia with 430 cases reported in 2010. The highest rates of Chlamydia were seen in persons aged 15-29 years regardless of gender. Young women are disproportionately affected.
The Minister of Health commented that these statistics are a clear sign that we must continue to develop ways to reach those most at risk. The Minister recently discussed this issue with the Youth Parliament.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections and early treatment in sexually active persons can prevent some of the most devastating effects of untreated STIs such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, neurological damage and transmission during pregnancy. These diseases are not only treatable, they are also preventable.
The Department recommends that in order to maintain sexual health, sexually active individuals should:
- “Have the Conversation” with their partner
- “Have the Conversation” with their healthcare provider
- Delay sexual activity until adulthood
- Have a single sexual partner
- Use condoms consistently
- Get tested periodically for STI’s, including HIV as recommended by their healthcare provider.
- Females ages 11-26 should have the HPV vaccine
The Department of Health regularly provides educational materials, counselling and free testing for STIs.
During this week staff from the Department of Health will be in local pharmacies to promote the use of condoms (including the female condom), and to provide information on ways to protect sexual health.
During Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week, and throughout the year, talk with your doctor or call the Communicable Disease Clinic at 441-278-6442 or the Maternal Health Clinic at 441-278-6441.
It is astounding that Reproductive Awareness week does not include emphasis on the costs and responsibilities of reproducing. Every week we are burdened with the costs and additional responsibility to look after a father of SEVEN’s children for example.
I agree with astounded. There needs to be a discussion regarding actually getting pregnant and having a child. What will that mean to them, their families and to their unborn child.