 Behavioral intervention focuses on the training of medical practitioners in the skills needed to effectively obtain sensitive sexual information and provide STI prevention counseling. Sexual health education has also proven to be a cost effective approach to reducing social vulnerabilities that makes marginalized groups more susceptible to being at risk of being impacted by STIs.
“Education promotes gender equality and women empowerment; what’s more, it has added benefits such as delaying marriage for young girls and providing an avenue for family planning.” Awareness raised by sexual health education addresses myths and stigmas attached to STI testing, treatment and individuals living with STIs. Numerous countries have implemented initiatives aimed at educating adolescents on the indistinguishable link between sexual health and overall health. The Republic Of Congo is developing a policy to combat HIV/AIDS through the education sector. In Guyana, through a School Health, Nutrition, and HIV/AIDS Unit, teachers and other educators are trained on issues relating to STIs and how to provide support to HIV-positive students.
For sexual and reproductive health care to truly be comprehensive, we must acknowledge that sexual health and reproductive health are interwoven, one cannot be addressed without acknowledging the other.
Only when emphasis is placed on dealing with both issues in tandem with each other can we introduce policies that are effective in reducing the risk of sexual activity jeopardizing the health and quality of life of individuals, families and communities.
Vandana M Kissoon is the holder of an LLB (hons) and is currently pursuing her LPC. She is an animal lover and coffee enthusiast. Vandana is a writer at Feminitt Caribbean and is passionate about dismantling oppressive systems