STIs nothing to be ashamed of: campaign

The Australian government has launched a national campaign on January 2nd 2010 after a worrying rise in chlamydia, HIV/AIDS and syphilis infections.
Young people who have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) should not be ashamed, urges the new campaign encouraging Australians to get tested.
With the message: "STIs are spreading fast - always use a condom", it targets young people and encourages those who have had unprotected sex to see a doctor to discuss getting tested. Health Minister Nical Roxon stated : "The new year and holiday period is the season of parties and celebration - it's important to be aware of the risks of unprotected sex,"
Research conducted before phase one of the campaign in May and June 2009 revealed that Australians are not well informed about the benefits of condom use, Ms Roxon said.
It found heterosexuals mainly use condoms to prevent pregnancy, while gay men are becoming complacent about the risk of HIV.
The campaign, which will also target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths living in outer regional and remote communities, urges people not to be ashamed if they have an STI.
"This can prevent them seeking help and treatment," Ms Roxon said, adding that early detection and treatment is important."If left untreated, STIs can have serious, lasting health implications."