Netherlands launches new safe sex campaign

A new safe sex campaign has kicked off in the Netherlands, urging young people to get tested for sexually transmitted infections and to use condoms.

STI AIDS Netherlands decided to launch the campaign after an investigation by the University of Maastricht revealed that while almost 50 percent of sexually-active people between 18 and 35 are concerned that they might have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, only half of them actually get themselves tested.

According to STI AIDS Netherlands, a Dutch expertise centre for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, the main reason young people give for not getting tested is:

“I don’t have any symptoms” or “I’m too scared”.

Short relationships
The organisation says that young people generally have a series of short-lived relationships, and though they stop using a condom fairly quickly, they tend not to get tested for an STI. This risky behaviour increases the chance of transmitting an infection.

Amongst the advice on the STI AIDS Netherlands website, people are encouraged to think in advance about how and when to start talking about safe sex and to be upfront about not wanting to catch any diseases.

The organisation says that being upfront about safe sex shows “respect for both yourself and your partner.” They also advise people to have a supply of condoms, “even if you’re not expecting to have sex with anyone.”

Objectives
STI AIDS Netherlands’ primary objective is to prevent sexually transmitted infections occurring by promoting safer sex, but also by tracing infection at an early stage through screening and testing. The foundation provides teaching packs for schools and sets up special prevention projects by targeting specific groups.

The new campaign aims to tackle the fears and misunderstandings associated with sexually transmitted diseases.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 18 August 2008