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A team of UWA health promotion students will run a Sexual Education Campaign for Students to promote safe sex.

On Tuesday, April 28, the team will run a safe sex awareness stall as part of the UWA Health Day.

According to the West Australian Department of Health, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young people aged 18-24 years are increasing. WA has the second highest rate of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in Australia.

Unsafe sexual behaviour in 18-24 year olds can have life-long consequences. The Department of Health found that 70 per cent of those with Chlamydia do not experience symptoms and that Chlamydia, if left untreated, may lead to infertility in both males and females.

The UWA student team, with mascot "Constable Condom", will aim to increase awareness on campus of STIs, promote sexual health services available to students and to increase communication amongst students, their peers and partners about sexual health issues.

Team member Emily Atkins said: "Anyone who has unsafe sex is at risk of developing an STI, and reducing your risk is as easy as using a condom."

Promoting safe sexual behaviours will enable students to stay healthy during their university years and later in life.

Students and members of the community are welcome to attend Health Day, on Tuesday, 28 April, between 12 and 2pm, on UWAs Oak Lawn, to receive information on sexual health and take part in the activities.

Media references

Emily Atkins (UWASECS Communication Representative)  (+61 4) 10 854 849
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716