Canarias Launches Urgent Campaign to Tackle Rising Cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections

In response to the alarming increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Canary Islands, the regional health authorities have initiated a comprehensive campaign aimed at prevention, awareness, and education. This initiative, spearheaded by the Consejería de Sanidad (Department of Health) and the Dirección General de Salud Pública (General Directorate of Public Health) of the Servicio Canario de la Salud (Canarian Health Service), is designed to address the growing concern of STIs among the island's population.

The Campaign's Objectives

The campaign, titled "La prevención empieza contigo" (Prevention Starts with You), is focused on several key objectives. It aims to raise awareness about the risks and prevention methods of STIs, promote the use of condoms, and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. The campaign also seeks to eliminate social stigmas associated with STIs, which often deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention.

Target Audience

The campaign is directed at all sexually active individuals, with a special emphasis on high-risk groups. These include the youth, who statistically are the most vulnerable to contracting STIs; adults, particularly those experiencing an increase in STI transmission rates; individuals involved in prostitution; and gay, bisexual men, and men who have sex with men, who require specific attention due to their higher incidence of STIs.

Strategies and Activities

To achieve its goals, the campaign employs several strategies:

• Education and Awareness: The campaign uses impactful, real data to highlight the urgency of the issue and normalize discussions about sexual health. It includes educational activities such as charlas (talks), talleres (workshops), and lúdicas (interactive activities) in primary and secondary schools. For example, the "Proyecto Salud con Z" (Health with Z Project), launched in September 2022 in collaboration with the Consejería de Educación (Department of Education), promotes healthy habits and STI prevention among secondary school students.

• Promotion of Safe Practices: The campaign strongly advocates for the use of condoms as the most effective method for preventing STIs. It also facilitates access to condoms and other preventive measures.

• Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Encouraging early diagnostic tests and routine screenings is a crucial aspect of the campaign. This is particularly important for detecting infections early, even when symptoms are not visible.

• Combating Misinformation: The campaign aims to address myths and misconceptions surrounding STIs and sexual health, ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public.

• Reducing Stigma: Eliminating social stigmas is a key component, as these often prevent individuals from seeking early diagnosis and treatment. The campaign seeks to create a supportive environment where people feel confident in taking care of their sexual health.

Context and Urgency

The need for this campaign is underscored by the rising trend of STI cases in the Canary Islands, a pattern observed across Spain. Factors contributing to this increase include a lack of awareness about the risks, reduced use of condoms among young people, early initiation of sexual activity, and an increase in the number of sexual partners, partly due to the influence of social media and increased social connectivity.

Conclusion

The "La prevención empieza contigo" campaign is a critical initiative in the fight against STIs in the Canary Islands. By emphasizing personal responsibility, promoting safe sexual practices, and providing accessible diagnostic and treatment options, the campaign aims to reduce the transmission of STIs and improve overall sexual health within the community. As the health authorities continue to stress, prevention starts with each individual, and collective action is necessary to combat this growing health concern.