Toilet humour promotes safer sex message

As the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to rise in Northern Ireland the Health Promotion Agency is using humour to promote the safer sex message in a new sexual health poster campaign.

The campaign, 'Never underestimate peace of mind', launched today targets sexually active 18-30 year olds and aims to encourage young people not to be complacent about their sexual health. Posters dealing with a range of sexual health issues will be displayed in the toilet areas of pubs and clubs popular with this age group. Because people spend an average time of almost three minutes in a toilet cubicle the placing of posters in these areas is very effective. The posters include information about condom use, safer sex, contraception and STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the Health Promotion Agency, speaking during the campaign launch said: "The posters use tongue-in-cheek humour to get a very serious message across. Research shows that chlamydia and gonorrhoea are two of the most commonly diagnosed STIs in Northern Ireland and although the number of people infected with syphilis is relatively low there has been a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with it. As a result three of the posters have been designed to raise awareness of these specific infections."

Dr Gaffney continued: "The campaign also highlights that many people with an STI may not experience any outward symptoms, therefore anyone who has been at risk should have a checkup. If left untreated some STIs could lead to serious health problems in later years. For this reason it is important that infections are detected and treated as early as possible.

"lf someone is sexually active and is not sure about their partner's sexual or drug history they can risk catching an infection. It is really important if people have put their sexual health at risk that they have information about the range of services available to them and can receive treatment if necessary. All the posters and leaflets in this campaign promote the services of the four Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics in Northern Ireland, which are happy to provide information and advice on STIs as well as providing checkups and treatment."

In addition to the 13 posters developed for the campaign, two information leaflets have been produced and will be available from dispensers attached to some of the posters. One leaflet focuses on safer sex and contraception while the other focuses on syphilis.

The posters and information leaflets will be displayed in 60 pubs and clubs, including gay-friendly venues, throughout Northern Ireland. The campaign will run from July 2002 until March 2003.

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Notes to the editor: The four Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics in Northern Ireland are:

*Royal Victoria Hospital	Tel: 028 9089 4777
Altnagelvin Hospital	Tel: 028 7161 1269
Causeway Hospital	Tel: 028 7034 6028
Daisy Hill Hospital	Tel: 028 3083 5050

*As of 16/09/02 the RVH's GUM Clinic operates on an appointment only system. To make an appointment telephone the number above or try the main RVH number 028 9024 0503 Ext. 4050