IHW 2004: It's time to be open about herpes

Final details of the fifth International Herpes Week (10th-16th October 2004) are now available. The theme for the Week, 'I have herpes, don't you', highlights the fact that the viruses which cause genital and facial herpes are extremely common - the IHA has estimated that at least 50% of the world's population carries HSV-1, HSV-2 or both.

Despite the fact that the viruses are so widespread, many people affected by herpes, particularly those with genital herpes, feel embarrassed or ashamed. Tackling this perceived stigma and improving understanding of herpes are the key aims of the fifth International Herpes Week campaign.

Charlie Ebel, President of the IHA comments: "There is no doubt that herpes still carries a certain social stigma in some countries. This can act as a barrier, discouraging people from seeking medical help or talking openly with their sexual partners. The aims of International Herpes Week are to challenge this outdated stigma, to reassure people that herpes is a very common condition that can usually be effectively managed and to encourage them to talk openly and honestly about their condition."

Building on previous successful IHW initiatives, the 2004 campaign will encompass a number of initiatives, including a new patient leaflet, a poster and an international media campaign. Many countries around the world will be participating in their own local events and activities with the aim of promoting important public health messages about herpes.

The theme of the stigma associated with genital herpes will be explored at the Conference on Sexually Transmitted Infections organised by the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) in Myconos Greece on 7th-9th October 2004. A satellite symposium on Friday 8th October will consider The Management of Genital Herpes in the Modern World - Addressing the Myths and a media roundtable will be organised on 9th October on the topic The First Dialogue on STDs: Genital Herpes - Addressing the Stigma.

The press materials can be downloaded from the International Herpes Week section of the website (click here). If you have any other queries abut the campaign, please contact the IHA Secretariat: herpes@packerforbes.com