Sir, - The recent public awareness campaign and media coverage of the foot and mouth crisis have ensured a high level of public knowledge concerning the disease. There can scarcely be anyone in the country who is not aware of the routes of transmission, signs and symptoms of this infection. Most importantly, the public are aware of the measures necessary to prevent its spread.
This contrasts sharply with the level of public awareness regarding sexually transmitted infections (STI), at a time when clinics throughout the country are reporting a significant and alarming increase in them. These infections are a cause of significant health problems, both short and long-term. Of even more concern is the well-documented association between the presence of STI and increased HIV transmission. Increasing levels of STIs in a young, sexually active population, combined with a poor level of awareness, create the conditions in which a sudden and rapid increase in HIV infection could occur.
There is now a need for an innovative public awareness campaign regarding STI, aimed in particular at young people. The media must play their part. The health of our young people is one of our greatest assets. - Yours, etc.
Dr Louise Pomeroy, B.M.R.C.P.I., Genito-Urinary Physician, The Raglan Clinic, Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 4.