TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – The Ministry of Health has launched a sexual health campaign dubbed ‘Wrap it Up’ to help reduce high-risk sexual behaviors locally.
The emancipation festivities include a variety of events such as j’Ouverts and stage shows that typically involve alcohol and this often leads to intimate encounters among patrons.
According to the Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald Georges the campaign’s focus on promoting social responsibility during the festival, encouraging the public to “Wrap it Up before you wuk it up.”
“As part of the campaign, a few local laboratories have also agreed to offer promotions on Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing for the community,” Dr Georges said. “The labs will conduct their own advertising for these promotions, but we encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to get tested and know their sexual health status.”
The acting CMO said the Wrap it Up campaign will target a wide cross-section of the community, with assertive graphics particularly aimed at the younger population, who are especially at risk of contracting STIs.
The campaign will feature audio and video interviews, radio commercials, newsletters, and press releases to support its message. These materials will address various issues, including drinking and driving, mixing medications with alcohol, the age of consent, issues around consent, and reducing high-risk sexual behaviors.
Earlier this year, statistics from the Ministry of Health showed a steady rise in HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in the territory.
“As part of the campaign, a few local laboratories have also agreed to offer promotions on Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing for the community,” Dr Georges said. “The labs will conduct their own advertising for these promotions, but we encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to get tested and know their sexual health status.”
The acting CMO highlighted that the Wrap it Up campaign will target a wide cross-section of the community, with assertive graphics particularly aimed at the younger population, who are especially at risk of contracting STIs.
The campaign will feature audio and video interviews, radio commercials, newsletters, and press releases to support its message. These materials will address various issues, including drinking and driving, mixing medications with alcohol, the age of consent, issues around consent, and reducing high-risk sexual behaviors.
Earlier this year, statistics from the Ministry of Health showed a steady rise in HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in the BVI. Over the past five years, more than 262 cases have been reported across all ages and demographics in the community.
