WA Health has launched an educational campaign, targeting young people aged 16-24 to combat high STI rates.
In the 12 months to 30 June 2015, there were 11,309 notifications of chlamydia in Western Australia alone and 56 per cent were in the 15-24 year old age group.
The campaign reminds young people to practise safe sex, but if they have had sex without a condom to visit the couldihaveit website (external site) and take the simple test.
Dr Paul Armstrong, Director Communicable Disease Control Directorate, said there has been a long-term trend of increasing chlamydia notifications, and while recent periods have seen a small decline, the infection is still common.
The recently updated site provides clear and simple information about STIs, and offers an ‘ask a question’ service, where health professionals respond to questions confidentially within a 48 hour period.
Mobile optimisation has been built into the site, allowing young people to access the service instantaneously in a format that suits them.
The campaign will be wide-spread across a variety of platforms, including social media and radio.
WA Health is also sponsoring Southbound Music Festival 2016 and is running a competition to win a package of 4 VIP tickets to the event. People need to complete a short safe sex quiz to go in the running to win the VIP tickets. Campaign signage will be displayed at the event and volunteers will distribute free condoms.