Gscene News Archive

Leading HIV and AIDS charity Crusaid has today called for a scaling up in sexual health education and health services to people travelling abroad after research conducted by scientists found that popular tourist destinations such as Greece, Portugal and Spain probably spread HIV, with tourists infected during their holidays.

“The holiday industry in the UK spends large amounts of money advertising package deals, cheap “sun, sea and sex” holidays to students, single 18 to 30’s and low income families. There should be a greater level of responsibility taken by these companies to educate and equip their clients on the best way to protect themselves from STI’s. There needs to be clear and easily obtainable information about how to access local sexual health and support services. Education combined with accessible health services are key”, said Robin Brady, Chief Executive.

The growing infection rate of HIV diagnosis in the UK has led to calls for tougher sexual health education and support services to those most at risk, and with the holiday season approaching, many UK residents holidaying in popular tourist destinations are at greater risk of exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

According to the National Travel Health Network and Centre an estimated 5-60% of individuals will have a sexual encounter with a new partner whilst abroad, and younger travellers are more likely to have a sexual encounter with a new partner than older travellers.

“It goes back to the need for better sexual health education in schools and colleges. If people are equipped with the right information to make long-term informed decisions about their own life, then the need for quick fix information downloads for a two week holiday in the sun would not be so necessary,” added Brady.

Crusaid currently provides financial support to 1 in 3 people affected by HIV and AIDS living in the UK through the Crusaid Hardship Fund. The charity also has various international programmes which focus on developing projects in countries affected by poverty. Through its fundraising activities, Crusaid raises vital funds to support the work that it does in the UK and internationally such as the Crusaid Walk for Life, Europe’s largest fundraising walk for HIV and AIDS. The 10k walk, now in its twentieth year, will take place on June 7, at Potters Field Park and snake through the iconic sites of London.

For more information about Crusaid’s Walk for Life view:
www.walkforlife.co.uk