Valentine’s Campaign Promotes Safe Love and Free Sexual Health Testing Across February

A regional disease prevention office under Thailand’s Department of Disease Control is launching a month-long Valentine’s campaign in February to promote awareness and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) under the theme “Love Status, Love 4ever: Every Status Deserves Everlasting Love.”

The campaign aims to encourage people of all ages to understand their sexual health status, get tested regularly, practice safe sex, and access treatment promptly. Officials emphasize that healthy relationships are built on awareness, responsibility, and timely healthcare.

 

Syphilis Cases Nearly Triple in Five Years

Recent data over the past five years show a continuous rise in STI cases nationwide. Syphilis cases have nearly tripled, increasing from approximately 8,700 cases in 2019 to more than 25,000 cases in 2025. Gonorrhea infections remain consistently high, reflecting ongoing unsafe sexual behaviors and increased risk of HIV transmission.

In 2025, Health Region 7 reported 1,521 new HIV cases. The STIs with the highest infection rates were:

     1. Syphilis

     2. Gonorrhea

     3. Chlamydia

The highest infection rates were found among individuals aged 20–29 years, followed by those aged 30–39 years, indicating ongoing community transmission and the need for targeted public health communication.

“Safe Love, Check 2gether” – Encouraging Couples to Test Together

This year’s campaign introduces the concept “Safe Love, Check 2gether,” encouraging couples and partners to undergo sexual health screening together. Early detection allows for faster treatment and better long-term health planning.

Under Thailand’s National Health Security Scheme, the public is entitled to:

     - Free HIV and syphilis testing twice per year

     - Free HIV self-test kits available via the Paotang mobile application (Health Wallet menu)

     - Free condoms from public healthcare facilities and civil society organizations, or reserved through the Paotang app

Individuals diagnosed with HIV can immediately access free antiretroviral therapy (ARV) under national health coverage. Early and consistent treatment suppresses the virus to undetectable levels (U=U – Undetectable = Untransmittable), allowing people living with HIV to remain healthy and prevent transmission to partners.

Additional Prevention Options

The campaign also promotes:

     - PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Preventive medication for individuals at high risk before exposure

     - PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Emergency medication that must be started within 72 hours after potential exposure

Both services are available free of charge at participating public hospitals and healthcare facilities.\

 

Love Begins with Responsibility

Health authorities emphasize that HIV status does not define the value of love. With awareness, prevention, regular testing, and continuous treatment, individuals can maintain stable and fulfilling relationships.

The public is urged to use condoms consistently and correctly during all forms of sexual activity.

Know your status. Protect yourself. Start treatment early. Love confidently. Reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

 

 

Source : Department of Disease Control