The figures are not surprising, but they are certainly a cause for concern.

The World Health Organisation estimates that some 13,000 Maltese people could potentially be infected with sexually transmitted diseases every year, and yet only a small percentage of them seem to be seeking treatment.

The special GU clinic that was set up some years ago specifically to see to these cases treated only 2,221 people last year. Of course, many others could have sought help at their general practitioner, but then there could be others who are too shy or ashamed to seek help.

According to Dr Philip Carabott, who runs the GU clinic, some of these patients might go on to suffer from complications such as cervical cancer, pregnancy problems and infertility.

When he addressed Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee, Dr Carabott called for a national campaign towards a more responsible sexual lifestyle. He expressed his concern about the increase in the number of people having casual sex, often under the influence of alcohol and drugs too.

It was later explained, by Health Promotion director Charmaine Gauci, that a group made up of professional people are working on a strategy that will focus on more responsibility, education, treatment and cure.

It is hoped that this strategy will not take long to materialise and, when it does, it should not be a soft, prudish affair. In the past, when there was some form of attempt to educate the people, especially the younger generations, on the need to be more responsible in their sexual lifestyle, it ended up being a half-baked effort that did not make that much of a difference.

The reason for this was in all probability so as not to go against the sentiments of the Church, which is adamant in its stand against the use of all forms of contraceptives, including condoms.

It is common knowledge that the use of condoms reduces the risk of contracting a disease that is transmitted sexually. But successive governments in Malta have always found it hard to openly promote their use because the Church is manifestly against anything that prevents conception.

It should not be the case when the planned campaign kicks off. In health matters, no stone should be left unturned so as to give the people the most comprehensive package of what they should do to live as healthily as possible.

When it comes to providing information about the diet one should follow to avoid certain illnesses, there is no cutting of corners. The same should be when it comes to informing people on how they could take care of themselves to avoid contracting diseases that are transmitted sexually.

Naturally, this should be accompanied by other factors that are equally important. The campaign should also focus on why people should avoid having casual sex, and this especially goes for the younger generations who might grow up to regret it later.

The campaign should also concentrate on a strong advise to people who think they might have contracted a sexually-transmitted disease to immediately seek help and treatment and, most of all, stop having sex until they are cured. It is so irresponsible for people to continue their “normal” life when they know that they could pass on the disease to others.

Such a campaign should also involve schools. The early teenagers should be taught about sexual issues much more than they are at present. Their easy access to the internet has given them the opportunity to learn more about sex than their predecessors, but schools should play a leading role in helping young people take a more responsible approach to their sexual life.