SDLP Youth have expressed concern at the increase in the number of young people with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in the North of Ireland.

Vice Chair Peter Armstrong said, “SDLP Youth have been campaigning on sexual health, within a wider young people welfare campaign, for some time and unfortunately this news just proves that awareness is still low. Young people in the North seem to have ‘it will not happen to me’ syndrome.

“There needs to be a radical change in culture. It is important that young feel comfortable to talk about their sexual health. They require increased access to proper education and information and above all sexually active young people need to be encouraged to visit health clinics on a regular basis.”

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SDLP Youth University & Colleges Officer Peter Armstrong has called on young people to wear a red ribbon to raise awareness of HIV and help end prejudice.

Peter said, “World AIDS Day is a time to remember that 40 million people worldwide are living with AIDS. That’s 60,000 people in the UK living with HIV and 7,000 more diagnosed with HIV this year. However HIV is an entirely preventable disease – it is important that young people know how to protect themselves from HIV and Aids.”

“SDLP Youth have been campaigning on sexual health for some time. To protect against HIV and other STDs there needs to be consistent and proper use of condoms. World Aids Day aims to increase awareness and prevent more people from getting HIV.

“Young people in the North seem to have ‘it will not happen to me’ syndrome. This attitude has to change. We need a new culture were young people feel free to talk about sexual health and visit sexual health clinics on a regular basis. The longer STD’s remain untreated the more the risks increase. I urge young people to wear a red ribbon on World Aids Day to show their support for this campaign.”

SDLP youth have today expressed their deep regret at the increase in the number of young people with Sexually Transmitted Infections in the North of Ireland.

Chairman John O’Doherty said, “SDLP youth have been campaigning on sexual health, within a wider young people welfare campaign, for some time and this news just proves that awareness is still low. Young people in the North seem to have ‘it will not happen to me’ syndrome.

“A new culture needs to be introduced in Northern Ireland. A culture of good sexual health, were young people feel free to talk about sexual health and visit sexual health clinics on a regular basis. The longer STI’s go untreated the more the risks increase. I urge all young people throughout the Island to take their health seriously always use a condom and get checked out on a regular basis.”

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NOTES TO EDITOR

It was announced today by the health protection agency that the number of STI’s across the UK have increased with the highest increase in young people 16-24

More details on SDLP Youth campaign on sexual health can be found on www.sdlpyouth.com