In 2023, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in thailand prepared almost 100 million condoms for distribution to holders of the 30-baht universal healthcare cards who are of reproductive age. This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to promote safe sex and prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [1].
Similarly, in 2022, the Bangkok Metropolitan Governance handed out 2 million free condoms as part of a campaign to promote safe sex ahead of Valentine’s Day, with STIs on the rise among the youth [2].
Additionally,in a case study by dentsu,Reckitt Benckiser,the manufacturer of condom brand Durex,launched an educational campaign aimed at engaging young people on the subject of sexual health in an accessible environment [3].
These initiatives align with the broader public health efforts to encourage safe sex practices, including the distribution of free condoms and the provision of services like PREP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV prevention.
Interview: Initiatives to Promote Safe Sex Among Youth
Table of Contents
Editor:
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in sexually transmitted infections (stis) among teh youth. To address this issue, Metropolitan Governance handed out 2 million free condoms as part of a campaign to promote safe sex ahead of Valentine’s Day. Can you talk more about these efforts and their impact?
Guest:
Absolutely. The distribution of free condoms is indeed a meaningful step in promoting safe sex practices among young people. This initiative aligns with broader public health efforts that aim to make safe sex more accessible and feasible.Programs like these are crucial in reducing the incidence of stis and promoting overall sexual health literacy within the youth[[[1](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/20-years-of-building-healthier-communities-in-thailand)].
Editor:
Apart from the condom distribution campaign, are there other initiatives that focus on sexual health education for adolescents?
guest:
Yes, there are several initiatives aimed at improving sexual health literacy among adolescents. As an example, a case study by dentsu and Reckitt Benckiser, the manufacturer of condom brand Durex, launched an educational campaign that engaged young people in a more accessible and culturally sensitive manner.This approach is essential to educating youth about safe-sex practices and boosting their self-efficacy and access to health products and services[[[3](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36757346/)].
Editor:
How can these programs effectively reach and educate youth about safe sex?
Guest:
Effective sexual health interventions for young people must be both culturally sensitive and age-appropriate. This means using language and strategies that resonate with youth while ensuring that the information is accurate and reliable.Such as, digital interventions can be notably effective, capturing young people’s attention and making the information more relatable[[[3](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36757346/)]. Additionally, creating safe and non-judgmental spaces for dialog is essential for encouraging open discussions about sexual health.
Editor:
How do these efforts fit into the overall public health strategy to prevent STIs and other sexual health issues?
Guest:
These initiatives align with broader public health efforts that include not only the distribution of free condoms but also services such as PREP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV prevention. By providing a comprehensive approach to sexual health, public health strategies can effectively address the root causes of STIs and promote better health outcomes[[[1](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/20-years-of-building-healthier-communities-in-thailand)].
Editor:
What kind of training and infrastructure have proven effective in improving sexual health education in Thailand?
Guest:
Thailand’s health system has invested significantly in training the health workforce and building delivery infrastructure at the district level and below. This includes targeted insurance schemes for different population groups. These policies have helped increase domestic training capacities and distribute trained personnel to rural and underserved areas. This has created a solid platform for triumphant health outcomes[[[2](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30198-3/fulltext)].
Conclusion:
The initiatives discussed here highlight the importance of both access to preventive measures and comprehensive education in promoting safe sex practices among young people. By combining innovative approaches, culturally sensitive education, and wide-reaching infrastructure, communities can effectively combat the rise of STIs and foster healthier sexual behaviors.
