Alarming Rise in STD's Leads to Concerned Report from RIDE
Rhode Island Department of Health has a released a report that suggests the rate of sexually transmitted diseases is on the rise again in the United States.
The report is a cause for concern since the increase in STD diseases like HIV, syphilis and gonorrhoea which is usually spread through unsafe sex, comes in spite of the awareness of the risks involved.
"These data send a clear signal that despite the progress we have made in reducing STDs and HIV over the years, there is more work to do," wrote Nicole Alexander-Scott, Director Designee at Health.
"We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have great partnerships among state agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers to continue to educate, test, and treat for sexually transmitted diseases. This trend reminds us that we cannot become complacent."
RIDE has been campaigning towards providing sex education to students in high school so that it will help bring the numbers under control.
"These new data underscore the importance of encouraging young people to begin talking to a doctor, nurse, or health educator about sexual health before becoming sexually active and especially after becomingsexually active," commented RIDE HIV/AIDS Sexuality Specialist, Rosemary Reilly-Chammat.
"It's never too early to learn about making HIV and STD testing part of routine healthcare. Doctors and nurses are trained to discuss sensitive topics like sex, and conversations with them are confidential. Health educators at schools or community health centers are great resources too."
