THT Tells Young People In North East London: Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, One In Ten Have Chlamydia, Don't Let It Be You

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 04 Feb 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest PCTs are sending young people in North East London 'Valentine's cards' encouraging them to take a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if they think they have put themselves at risk. The aim is to reduce recent increases in chlamydia in the capital.

In 2007, those in the 16-24 age bracket accounted for nearly half of all STI diagnoses in the UK, and approximately one in ten under 25s in London currently has undiagnosed chlamydia. Part of the reason chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms, and it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

To raise awareness of this issue, THT is posting a specially-designed 'Valentine's Card' to every person between the ages of 16 and 24 in four London boroughs - Barking, Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Each card carries the motto 'Roses are red, Violets are blue, One in ten have chlamydia, Don't let it be you', and includes information on chlamydia alongside a web address for young people to order a free home test kit. In Redbridge, the cards for 18-24 year olds will also be accompanied by a home test kit, making it even easier for young people in the area to take a test if they think they have put themselves at risk.

Testing for chlamydia involves taking a urine sample which is then posted off to the lab; results are available within a week. For those who test positive, THT will provide antibiotics to treat the infection. THT clinics and workers offer information and advice on STIs and safer sex to young people, as well as giving out free condoms.

Adam Wilkinson, London Operations Manager for THT said: "One in ten under 25s has chlamydia and risks passing it on through unprotected sex. We're determined to get this rate down, and are using campaigns like this to make it as easy as possible for young people in North East London to get tested if they think they've put themselves at risk. After all, nobody wants to be passing on an unwanted gift to their loved one on Valentine's Day."

Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups. We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit http://www.tht.org.uk

Terrence Higgins Trust