Say Yes to the Test campaign launches STD screening advertisements

In an effort to slow the spread of chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the NHS Western Cheshire has launched the Say Yes to the Test campaign, which will take place from October 18 to 22.

A series of advertisements will be featured on buses that travel throughout the town, which will be directed at a young audience, who are among the age groups at a high risk of contracting these diseases. Initiative members hope these efforts will encourage this demographic group to get screen for the STDs, according to the Chester Standard and Chester Leader.

Julie Webster, director of public health in Western Cheshire, told the newspaper that "any form of sexual intercourse can put someone at risk of catching chlamydia, including oral sex." She added that "we need far more young people aged 15-24 years to come forward for screening which is confidential, easy to access and totally discrete."

These types of initiatives can benefit young people who are considered to be at high risk for contracting STDs. For instance, for every 100,000 cases of chlamydia diagnosed in the U.S., more than 4,200 of these individuals are aged 20 to 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.