Tobago Health Officials Examining Rise In STIs
Tobago House of Assembly Senior Programme Coordinator in the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, Onika Henry, is advocating for the introduction of comprehensive sex education in schools as a key strategy to address rising public health concerns.
Gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV are among the sexually transmitted infections that health authorities have indicated are being reported in Tobago.
Ms Henry confirmed the increase in numbers but indicated that analysis of the data is still underway.
« The numbers are increasing. That is the concern. Whether it can be considered high or extremely high, that’s still to be determined. What we’re looking for instead is figuring out whether we have a true picture of increasing infection rates or simply whether people are more willing to come forward, and particularly that age group, the 20 to 29, as compared to the older age groups. »
Ms Henry indicated that there have been a higher number of young men aged 20 to 29 turning up to be tested in the last few months.
« We expect to have a clearer picture in the future once we’ve completed the full analysis and we’ve established what the baseline is, et cetera. So, one of the things we need to do is normalise testing, reduce stigma and make young people, well, remind them, because we know that HIV is preventable and treatable, but only if you know your status. »
Ms Henry advocated for sex education in schools, noting that young people are getting information about sex from other unreliable sources, including the internet and their peers.
« Sex-ed in schools, it can’t just be about biology. It can’t just be about reproductive systems and about pregnancy prevention. I mean, those are important, but it’s not enough. Young people need education about relationships, about consent, about communication. They need to understand and learn how to navigate their own values and boundaries, how to negotiate what you need in a particular interaction. »
Ms Henry says the Health Division is planning a campaign to encourage people to get tested.
