28 November 2008

NHSG/99/08

Local taxi company to pilot free condoms

World AIDS Day - Monday 1st December 2008

Photo opportunity details below.

In response to rising figures in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, Grampian World AIDS Day Committee has launched a new initiative for the whole of December in partnership with ComCab Taxis, in Aberdeen.

From the 1st December anyone using a ComCab taxi after 9pm will now be able to access free condoms from their taxis as part of this safer sex initiative. The condoms are in a special pack, which contain details of how to use them and also details of how to find out more about local sexual health services.

Leah Dawson, Chair of the Grampian World AIDS Day (WAD) Group said: “We have been working in partnership with key organisations to plan and organise a variety of initiatives aimed at raising awareness, encouraging discussion and reducing the stigma of HIV and AIDS in Grampian.

Discussion and education is the key to HIV prevention and as well as our taxi pilot, a range of events have been organised to run around World AIDS Day to help raise awareness.”

NHS Grampian Sexual Health Specialist Dr Ambreen Buttsaid:

“HIV and some other sexually transmitted infections continue to increase in Grampian. There have been 33 new cases of HIV reported in Grampian since January 2008.

Dr Butt added: “Unprotected sexual intercourse is the way that most people contract HIV. The message is simple – use a condom."

A recent survey carried out by another Sexual Health Specialist Dr Steve Baguley has highlighted the link between binge drinking with unprotected sex. He said:

"The survey demonstrated the link between alcohol consumption and risky sex. Heavy drinkers were more likely to have symptoms of an STI. If you cut down on alcohol you are less likely to regret sex, less likely to get pregnant unintentionally and less likely to catch an STI.

“We know that people do not always carry condoms with them and some people have never even tried them, but they are the best defence. This initiative with ComCab will hopefully remind party-goers about the risks of sex without a condom.”

Graeme Murray, Fleet Services Manager for ComCab Taxis added: “We are delighted to be associated with the initiative in conjunction with NHS Grampian. ComCab is happy to provide community support and helping our customers to protect themselves.”

An evaluation of the scheme, which will include the number of condoms distributed and feedback from taxi drivers, will determine if the pilot could be rolled out across Grampian.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Anyone who may have placed themselves at risk of HIV and other infections through unprotected sex, either with the opposite sex or between men, getting an early test rather than waiting for signs or symptoms which may appear months or years later is important. This helps to avoid long-term complications from infections and can help to prevent passing HIV on to others.

  • Testing is available through GP surgeries and the 'The City Clinic' of the GUM Service based at Aberdeen's WoolmanhillHospital.
  • Consultant Steve Baguley's patient survey was conducted in August 2008 and completed anonymously by 119 attendees to 'The Clinic' and included questions about alcohol use. The Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) was used to assess respondents’ drinking habits. More information available on request.
  • The World AIDS Day Group is a multi-agency partnership and includes representation from: Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, Aberdeen Foyer, NHS Grampian, Scottish Healthy Working Lives, The City Clinic (Genito-Urinary Medicine) and Square 13 Centre for Reproductive Health. The partnership combines the knowledge, expertise, resources and objectives of each agency to focus on the importance of increasing HIV awareness.
  • The general public can phone the free healthline on 0500 20 20 30 for information and advice on sexual health and local services available in Grampian.

Other World AIDS Day activities include:

10,000 free condoms are being distributed through pubs/clubs, community settings and sexual health services with a safer sex message attached.

Monday 1st December 2008, World AIDS Day, “get your knickers in a twist” Fashion Show, 8pm, Foundation Nightclub, Carnegies Brae, Aberdeen, Entry £3

Provision of HIV presentations to secondary schools, supported by HIV positive people.

Peer education – an ongoing program where senior pupils will be facilitating HIV awareness sessions for younger secondary pupils.

Information/display stands in a variety of settings including secondary schools and workplaces throughout Grampian.

Events run by Robert Gordon University Students’ Association

Photo Opportunity

Friday 28th November

2.30pm

ComCab

Burnside Drive

Dyce

Aberdeen

AB21 0HW

Two taxis and taxi Drivers with red ribbon sashes /Graeme Murray and

Dr Ambreen Butt will also be available for photographs.