Australia: Students Get STD Message

This month, Townsville high school students will receive information on how and where to be tested for chlamydia and other STDs in response to concern about the North's growing STD rate.

"It's just a recognition that chlamydia is a fairly common infection," said Dr. John Scott of Queensland Health Services. "All we're trying to do at this stage is to provide information that will allow people to be aware of the problem, which will allow them to assess their own level of risk. After that we would offer advice in terms of where people could go to access services."

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in Australia, especially among people ages 15-29. Tropical Public Health Unit figures show northern Queensland -- which includes the towns of Cairns, Cape York, Townsville, and Mount Isa -- has the highest chlamydia prevalence in the state and an infection rate three times higher than the national average. Chlamydia testing is done with a urine sample.

The campaign, part of the Healthy Cities Plan, is being carried out with partner agencies such as Sexual Health Services and Townsville Division of General Practice. Wanda Lambert, state president of Council of Parents and Citizens Association, said the group supported more sex information for students.

The plan will also provide more condom vending machines in Townsville places such as hotels and nightclubs, put safe-sex promotional messages on movie and concert tickets, and urge businesses to attach leaflets about chlamydia to their products. Under the plan, chlamydia screenings may also take place in entertainment venues, shopping centers, and sporting clubs. Last year, Townsville promoted a range of sexual health programs such as testing clubgoers at the Sovereign Hotel and students on Magnetic Island.

Back to other news for January 6, 2004