USI CITES POTENTIAL RISK OF GAY SEXUAL HEALTH CRISIS

1st July 2006


The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has responded to a surge in sexual risk-taking among gay men by calling for a new public awareness campaign to dramatise the risks of HIV and AIDS, as memories of past warnings fade.


Almost 50 percent of all gay men admit to having unprotected sex.


This and other findings of an all-Ireland survey were revealed at the fourth annual All-Ireland Gay Health Forum on Thursday 29 th June.


USI gay and lesbian spokesperson Steven Conlon said: "The survey which found that almost 50 percent of all gay men admit to having unprotected sex was conducted in 2003 and 2004, but sadly the signs seem to be that sexual risk-taking will continue in the absence of more vigorous education and outreach efforts, and regular new media campaigns to sustain public awareness about AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.


"USI believes that, among gay men, college students and teenagers may be particularly at risk from contracting STIs – partly due to a creeping complacency among those too young to remember past campaigns urging safe-sex practices, including consistent use of condoms.


"USI would urge anyone who has had unprotected sex with a partner whose HIV status they are unsure of to submit to an HIV test as soon as possible."