Sex education protects people against AIDS

World AIDS Day 2009

When you talk about AIDS, you have to talk about sex. We know how important sex education is from our many years of experience in the field of hormonal contraception. Our attitude toward sex education is not limited to the issue of contraception, however, but also encompasses a responsible way of dealing with oneself and one’s body in general.

The UN World Population Conference formulated a goal in 1994: that all people should be able to have a safe sex life. Bayer Schering Pharma supports this goal by providing information about family-planning methods and making access to contraception easier – especially in poorer countries.

Contraception can prevent unwanted pregnancies. But only enlightened and responsible sexual behavior can also stem the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Education programs on reproductive health are therefore an important contribution to stopping the spread of these diseases, of which AIDS is one of the best known.

Bayer Schering Pharma is engaged in sex-education and public-awareness initiatives. For example, the company is the initiator of World Contraception Day. Every year, this day of action addresses primarily young people in about 70 countries. It promotes an awareness of family planning among adolescents and young adults by means of educational and fund-raising events, radio talk shows, competitions, and events in nightclubs and discos.

The 'Youth2Youth' project in Uganda is one example of our on-the-spot commitment in countries particularly hard hit by AIDS. Together with the German Foundation for World Population (DSW) we have launched a unique educational program there for young teenagers under the age of 15. The aim of 'Youth2Youth' is to encourage responsible behavior within this target group. The underlying idea is that the information the young people receive comes from their peers, is adapted to local conditions, and is supported by a 'Youth Bus'.