30 November 2007

World Aids Day

A sexual health awareness event for young people in the Newry and Mourne area has taken place to mark World Aids day (Saturday 1^st December).

Organised by the Southern Area Health Promotion Department in partnership with the SELB Youth Service, the event gave young people a wide range of advice and education on sexual health issues.

World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness of the disease, help prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of people living with the virus.

There are 40 million people living with HIV worldwide and more than 70,000 people with HIV in the UK. As many as one in three people with HIV are unaware they are infected.

This year the theme of World AIDS Day is ‘Understanding Through communication - Let’s get talking.’ It aims to break down the ignorance and fear around HIV through communication.

Lynsdey McCann, Sexual Health Advisor says: ”Gambling with sexual health could be life threatening so it is crucial to practice safer sex. Knowing your partner, limiting the number of partners you have and using a condom are the basic messages that will protect people from Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV. Misuse of alcohol and drugs can also lead to risky sexual behaviour which can have serious implications for both physical and mental health.

“If people think they may have put themselves at risk, they should seek professional advice by contacting their GP or by going to their local Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic.”

For confidential and free advice on sexual health and relationship issues you can phone the AIDS helpline Tel: 0800 137437 or Sexwise: Tel: 0800 282930