Media Releases
TXT 4 Free Condomz
October 18, 2007
Australia’s leading sexual and reproductive healthcare organisation, Marie Stopes International, is helping give young people greater access to condoms and encouraging them to practice safe sex, thanks to a new ‘TXT 4 free condomz’ sexual health campaign launched today.
Developed in an effort to tackle rising sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, mobile phone users will be sent two free condoms in plain packaging when they text in their name and address details to 19 SEXTXT (19 739898).
"Many teenagers are about to embark on the end of year ‘Schoolies’ vacation with their friends, and with the party atmosphere at an all time high over summer the chances of engaging in risky sexual activity is greatly increased," said Jill Michelson, Acting Australian CEO of Marie Stopes International.
"Yet feedback has indicated that a number of young people are embarrassed to go to the supermarket and purchase condoms, or they simply don’t have the money to do so.
"This promotion overcomes both the embarrassment and the cost issue of buying condoms, and does so using a medium and language that resonates with youth."
According to findings from the 3rd National Survey of Australian Secondary Students, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health, the majority of Year 12 students are sexually active in some way with over 50% reported having had vaginal intercourse.
"Nearly half of those students admitted that they don’t use condoms every time they have sex, and 1 in 10 stated that they never use condoms – statistics that are frightening with STI rates at an all time high," said Ms Michelson.
In 2006, Chlamydia notifications exceeded a record 47,000 - over half of which were among the 15-24 year old age group. In comparison, there were under 17,000 notifications of Chlamydia in 2000, indicating that the rate of diagnosis has more than doubled over the past six years.
"With young Australians the most at risk group for STIs, we need to get the message out there that condom use and regular STI checkups are vital," Ms Michelson said.
"The STI statistics show that we are at crisis stage and with the Federal Election around the corner there is no better time for our political parties to act now and lead the way with a national sex education strategy and a hard-hitting public health campaign designed by youth and aimed at youth.
"The fact is that many young people are having unprotected sex - ignoring the problem and shifting the responsibility for addressing it won’t make it go away, but educating them on the risks and providing them with access to condoms will help contain it."
The ‘TXT 4 free condomz’ sexual health campaign will run from 19 October until 15 November 2007 or while stocks last. To receive a pack of two condoms sent to you in a discreet plain envelope, simply text FREE + YOUR NAME + YOUR ADDRESS to 19SEXTXT (19 739 898). Text message costs are 55c and permission must be sought from the person who pays the mobile bill. More information on the campaign and on sexual health topics can be found at www.sextxt.org.au.
About Sextxt: ‘TXT 4 free condomz’ is part of Marie Stopes International’s youth education programme, sextxt™. Sextxt™ is a revolutionary text messaging service that provides young people with instant sexual health information direct to their mobile phones.
About Marie Stopes International: Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with 10 centres in the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. The organisation offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups and contraception. Surplus proceeds from Australian activities support the work of the Marie Stopes International Partnership, which delivers sexual and reproductive health services to over four million people in 38 countries worldwide.
For media enquiries contact: Samantha Smith, Public Relations - 0421 097 150
