Editorial

As the saying goes, “if we all do a little, we shall gain a lot.” There is much to be said in favour in community participation in health care. This is emphasised by some of the articles in this edition. One of the core activities in the genitor-urinary medicine department is contacting the partner/s of patients diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. Tucker et al in their paper discussed this important aspect of their work. This is to prevent or limit the spread of infections. Viral infections are notorious for their ability to recur and this may encourage spread in the community. With regards to genital herpes written by Opaneye and Ashton, several efforts are in progress to anticipate and manage quickly any such event. On Teesside, people living with HIV/AIDS turn to a non-governmental organisation- Teesside Positive Action for assistance in the community according to the report of Kay et al. The future of any community belongs to her young people. It is therefore important that young people are nurtured and cared for in various ways. Unfortunately some children suffer abuse verbally, physically, sexually and mentally. They are traumatised. Sandy Relph reports some of the points raised by participants during a recent seminar on child sexual abuse. Several unintended pregnancies occur worldwide. Whenever there is a real risk of a pregnancy following sexual intercourse, emergency contraception should be used as explained by Nadgir et al. Menopause is more than cessation of menstrual periods. The features of this sign, associated climacteric and the care of people in the menopause are explained by Bolaji et al.
The searchlight sheds some light on current issues. Enjoy your reading and share your knowledge with others. We shall appreciate your feedback.

Abayomi Opaneye
Editor –in- Chief.

©2002 Sexual Health Matters. Published Quarterly by Express Print Works, Middlesbrough, UK
ISSN 1469-7556
http://www.sexualhealthmatters.com