Use your popularity to educate the followers on STDs- celebs told
Ghanaian celebrities have been urged to leverage their influence to educate their followers about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Dr. Joseph Danso Odame of Minute Medical and Fertility Hospital who made the call during a health education on this week’s edition of ‘The Real Talk Podcast’ with Elizabeth Essuman said many celebrities around the world have already taken up the mantle, using their platforms to raise awareness and promote safe sex practices.
For instance, Magic Johnson diagnosed with HIV in 1991 became a prominent advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and education.
Britney Spears candidly opened up about her battle with herpes, encouraging others to prioritise their sexual health.
Whoopi Goldberg has been open about her past experiences with HPV, urging women to get regular screenings.
According to Dr Danso Odame, these celebrities, among others, have helped to break down the stigma surrounding STDs and promote a more open and honest dialogue about sexual health.
“Inasmuch as HIV and herpes are lifelong infections that can be managed with treatment but not cured, bacterial STIs are often curable with antibiotics”, Dr. Joseph said.
The conversation got intense with the mention that currently, Ghana and the world at large, STI diseases were becoming a menace and if nothing was done quickly, it could become worse than it is already.
“It is becoming a global threat, with millions of new curable infections occurring daily and increasing prevalence of both curable and incurable STIs worldwide.” He added.
The increasing rates are linked to factors including sharing uncleaned sex toys, unprotected sex, drug resistance in bacteria, declining testing and education, etc.
“To prevent STI transmission, it is essential to never share sex toys between partners without thorough cleaning and disinfection between uses.” Dr. Joseph said.
By sharing their stories, they inspire others to prioritise their well-being and seek testing and treatment when necessary noting that when influential public figures like celebrities open up about their personal health challenges, it can have a profound impact on public awareness and understanding.
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