The end-of-year is a time to have fun and celebrate after a year’s hard work. But, unfortunately this is also a period when there are more accidents, injuries and even deaths in South Africa. Drug and alcohol abuse are attributed as key factors that lead to irresponsible behaviour – including having unprotected sex.
It is common for people to have fun during the festive season, but it is also just as important to celebrate responsibly. Alcohol and drug abuse pose a danger, as it affects people’s ability to think clearly and or to make the right choices.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL - THE DANGERS
“It is unfortunate that the holiday season is associated with negative connotations such as alcohol abuse which has been known to affect a person’s decision making and compromises their sexual health. Research shows that excessive drinking can change your mood, making you feel more confident, which can lead to unsafe sex with multiple partners, increasing your chances of contracting HIV,” said Dave Nowitz, the Senior Marketing Manager at the Society for Family Health (SFH) – the organisation that markets New Start Testing Centres and Lovers Plus condoms.
The Statistics
The South African National Department of Health estimates that over 5.2 million people were living with HIV and Aids in South Africa in 2008, more than in any other country. It is also believed that in 2008, over 250,000 South Africans died of AIDS. The latest South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey 2008 reveals positive findings in terms of condom usage having increased significantly. Reported levels of usage have doubled over the last six years, in particular among the youth. Despite the increase though, research has shown that people who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, practice unsafe sex. This can lead to unwanted pregnancies, as well as sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/Aids.
The World Drug Report, as well as studies by the Medical Research Council of South Africa, found that almost half of South Africa’s population is affected by alcohol abuse.
This means that almost half of the estimated 46 million people in South Africa abuse alcohol at some time or another. It seems that this problem gets worse and worse each year and more so over the holiday season.
CONSISTENT CONDOM USE
“Consistent condom use is the safest way to ensure that you’re protected from contracting the HIV/Aids virus. If you’re taking part in risky activities that include drugs and alcohol, condom use has to be a necessity to protect yourself and others from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Abstinence from sex with multiple partners; practicing safe sex; eliminating drugs and knowing your limit when it comes to alcohol intake, are the only ways of protecting yourself from contracting HIV,” adds Dave Nowitz.
The correct and consistent use of condoms, provides effective protection against HIV, as well as other sexuallytransmitted infections (STI’s) such as vaginal discharge syndrome and male urethritis syndrome caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Condoms also provide some protection against genital ulcer syndrome and human papillomavirus infections such as herpes, syphilis, chancroid and cervical cancer. Finally, condoms provide contraceptive protection against unwanted pregnancy.
PROMOTING CONDOM USE
Health communications and condom promotion activities have led the way in educating populations on the importance of condom use for Aids and pregnancy prevention. SFH’s (Society for Family Health) targeted condom programmes give people the information and products they need to protect themselves. Dave Nowitz concludes: “Safe sex by using a condom correctly can save your life. Without HIV testing, it is practically impossible to know if someone has a sexually transmitted disease or HIV/Aids. If you are with a partner who does not respect your wish to practice safe sex by protecting yourself with a condom, you may want to question whether they have your best interests at heart.”
GUIDE TO CONDOM USE
1. Open the condom packet carefully, to avoid damaging the condom with your nails or teeth. Put the condom on when the penis is erect and before it comes into contact with your partners body.
2. Hold the tip of the condom (the ‘bubble’ on the end) and roll it down over the erect penis all the way to the base. Now you are ready for intercourse.
3. After sexual intercourse, hold the base of the condom and withdraw from your partner. Remove the condom and tie a knot in the base. Wrap the used condom in a tissue or toilet paper. Now dispose of the condom safely in a bin.
This guide was adapted from the Lovers Plus leaflet, published by the Society for Family Health
A key factor to the reduction of the spread of HIV/ Aids is getting tested and knowing your status.
New Start, one of South Africa’s leading HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing initiative’s gives you a confidential and accurate HIV test result within an hour.
There are currently approximately 20,000 clients per month that are counselled and tested at New Start, which supports the South African Government’s 2007 – 2011 National Strategic Plan for HIV and Aids and STI’s. New Start has 16 testing centres and mobile sites across the country, where clients can walk in, without an appointment, and receive HIV counselling, testing and referrals.
New Start’s Technical Advisor – Scott Billy said: “At New Start, you will meet with an HIV counsellor in a private room, learn your HIV status and work with your counsellor to come up with a plan to stay healthy – whether you test positive or negative – because HIV is preventable and manageable when you know how, but only if you know your status early.”
“The service is completely anonymous and confidential, meaning that you will never be asked for your name, nor will your information and status be shared with anybody else.”
If you test negative the New Start counsellor will discuss ways to maintain your negative status. If you have potentially been exposed in any way to HIV just before you came to get tested, you will be encouraged to come back for retesting. If you test positive the counsellor will then discuss ways to remain healthy and to manage the virus effectively.
You will also be referred for post-test support and care services, including Anti Retro Viral (ARV) therapy.
New Start Centres
Johannesburg, Tel: (011) 333-6868
Mafikeng, Tel: (018) 381-6847
Polokwane, Tel: (015) 534-3219 or Tel:
(015) 291-4843
Welkom, Tel: (057) 532-2789
Nelspruit, Tel: (013) 754-6561
Durban, Tel: (031) 305 -6942
Cape Town, Tel: (021) 425-9730
East London, Tel: (043)743-3492
Bloemfontein, Tel: (051) 430-9595
Khutsong, Tel: (018) 783-1483
Mthatha, Tel: (047) 532-4344/ 3498
Musina, Tel: (015) 534-3219
Pietermaritzburg, Tel: (033) 342-3600
Pretoria, Tel: (012) 327-5129
Kimberley, Tel: (053) 861-2277
Society for Family Health, Tel: (011) 484
5320, Website: www.sfh.co.za
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