National STD Education and Awareness Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National STD Education and Awareness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National STD Education and Awareness Month is observed on April 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National STD Education and Awareness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about National STD Education and Awareness Month.

📅 What day is National STD Education and Awareness Month 2024?

In 2024, National STD Education and Awareness Month is on Saturday, April 1st. It is the 1st Saturday in April; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about April 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

In April, we observe National STD Education and Awareness Month, aiming to reduce the stigma around STDs and raise awareness to prevent the increasing number of cases in the US. According to the CDC, between 2013 and 2017, there were approximately two million reported cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia in the country. Throughout this month, health organizations and authorities collaborate to educate the public about STDs and promote preventive measures to lower the alarmingly high infection rates.

📜 National STD Education and Awareness Month History

The London Lock Hospital established the first volunteer hospital for sexual infections in 1746, even though there were no effective pharmaceutical treatments for STDs at that time. In 1924, several nations signed the “Brussels Agreement,” committing to provide free or low-cost medical care for merchant seafarers with venereal diseases at ports.

The first successful treatment for sexually transmitted diseases was a drug called ‘Salvarsan’ specifically designed for syphilis. In the 1960s and 1970s, public health efforts and the discovery of antibiotics led to a belief that STDs were no longer a major public health concern, largely due to the widespread availability of antibiotics. However, in 1969, HIV/AIDS emerged in the United States. This brought attention to sexually transmitted infections that could not be effectively treated by existing medicine, such as genital herpes and later AIDS, which gained public prominence in the 1980s. As the global spread of AIDS became apparent, awareness campaigns were launched and drugs were developed to slow down the transmission of HIV.

Additionally, contact tracing was recognized as a crucial aspect of STD treatment. Health organizations and STD clinics effectively reduced infections in the general population by tracing the sexual partners of infected individuals, testing them for infection, providing treatment, and monitoring their contacts.

✅ National STD Education and Awareness Month Facts

🔖 The infection rate is very high
Every day, the World Health Organization reports that one million cases of sexually transmitted diseases are contracted.

🔖 Some STDs have very mild symptoms
Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like chlamydia and gonorrhea, may not show any signs or symptoms but can still interfere with a person’s ability to conceive a child.

🔖 Condoms don’t provide total protection
Genital herpes, the most common sexually transmitted infection, cannot be fully prevented by using condoms.

👍 Why Is National STD Education and Awareness Month Important

Various initiatives are launched to warn individuals about the dangers of untreated STDs. It’s a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness.

It helps to remove the stigma associated with STDs and allows individuals to speak more openly about them. Support groups and health foundations build forums dedicated to assisting victims and addressing public queries.

This month encourages safe sex behaviors and provides information on getting tested for STDs. Social media and technology also make it easier to spread information internationally and raise awareness among a larger number of individuals.

🙂 How To Observe National STD Education and Awareness Month

⚡ Get tested for STDs

⚡ Create awareness
Spread awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through social media by posting informative content that highlights the potential risks involved. Engage in proactive initiatives to educate others on the significance of practicing safe sex.

⚡ Discuss STDs with family and friends
When a person engages in sexual activity, he or she runs the risk of contracting an STD. This is why frequent inspections are essential.

📅 When is National STD Education and Awareness Month?

See all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National STD Education and Awareness Month. So be sure to check back soon.