Teenagers Contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases from Older Men in Antigua

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases is particularly high among teenagers and young adults in Antigua and Barbuda, according to Clinical Social Worker Sequoyah Survia at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

During a panel discussion hosted by ABS Television to address the country’s crime situation, Survia highlighted the numerous social issues she encounters when interacting with young individuals at the hospital, with a notable concern being the high incidence of STDs.

Survia emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive sex education to be integrated into both primary and secondary school curriculums, citing the rising rates of STD infections among young people.

She expressed concern that many individuals are unaware of their infection status. Her observations include encounters with diseases such as herpes, syphilis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, with the latter being a consequence of untreated STDs.

She also pointed out the prevalence of chlamydia, highlighting the challenge of identifying this infection due to the cost of specialized blood tests.

The clinical social worker underscored that teenagers as young as 13, up to young adults in their 20s, are affected by these diseases.

She noted that a significant portion of infections occur as a result of encounters with older individuals, with approximately 60% of infections attributed to older men and 40% to peers.

Survia stressed that while young women seek medical attention promptly, the rate of STD cases among young men is also substantial, although many choose not to report their infections.

In response to these concerning trends, Survia called for a nationwide education campaign targeting young individuals, utilizing both traditional and new media, to effectively address the issue and promote awareness and prevention.