Thailand rolls out Valentine’s plan: Free condoms for teenagers
Today, at Government House, the Deputy spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office unveiled a bold initiative from the Department of Disease Control: free condoms for teenagers.
Marking Valentine’s Day as more than just hearts and flowers, this campaign aims to hammer home the message of safe sex and promote access to essential sexual health services among teenagers and young adults.
Throughout February, the Ministry of Public Health and its network partners are making waves with their Love, You Can Choose: Youth Choices for SAFE SEX campaign. It serves to arm young lovebirds with choices that keep the romantic spark alive, minus the risky business.
Safety First:
1. Guardians of the Body: From free condom distributions at health service units and through the Paotang app, to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medications available at government hospitals, protection is just a click or a short stroll away.
2. Heart-to-Heart Counseling: Young folks can seek companionship in the form of counsellors and expert advice from services that cover the full spectrum from HIV screening to unplanned pregnancy and birth control advice. For those with burning questions, the hotline 1663 or the LINE Chat Bot at @teen_club are just a buzz away.
3. Test with Ease: With free, hassle-free HIV testing twice yearly and self-test kits, youth aged 15-24 in nine provinces can access screenings without parental consent (as long as they’re over 18). The goal is simple: make knowing your status as stress-free as a day at the beach.
4. Treatment for All: Immediate access to antiretroviral therapy awaits those diagnosed with HIV, ensuring swift action and support for all, regardless of economic status.
Despite these efforts, sexually transmitted diseases remain a significant public health concern, especially for Thai youth aged 15-24.
Recent data highlights a concerning rise in infection rates, with figures in Bangkok more than doubling over the past five years, reported KhaoSod.
Syphilis leads the pack of unwanted ushers at the party, followed by gonorrhea and genital warts. The year 2024 saw 1,095 new HIV cases in the same age group and 1,744 related deaths.
The Government of Thailand acknowledges that rising STD rates mirror unsafe bedroom antics. So, with a focused push on prevention, and a sprinkle of cheeky charm, officials hope to guide the nation’s youth towards amore that’s as safe as it is passionate.
For the latest scoop on activities, resources, and campaign details, keep your eyes locked on the AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Disease Division’s website throughout February.
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