Canary Islands launch STI prevention campaign across Fuerteventura and the archipelago
The campaign runs from 9 to 29 November, promoting condom use, early testing and treatment as Canary Islands data show differing trends in sexually transmitted infections.
The Canary Islands health department has launched a campaign across Fuerteventura and the rest of the archipelago to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It will run from 9 to 29 November on television, radio, digital media and outdoor advertising.
The campaign encourages condom use, early detection and treatment. It is aimed at everyone who is sexually active, with particular attention to young people, older adults and gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.
The Directorate-General for Public Health says many STIs can be passed on without a person knowing they have an infection, because symptoms may not appear in the early stages. It also identifies stigma and a lack of information or awareness of risk as barriers to prevention and seeking care.
What the latest figures show
Canary Islands surveillance data for 2025 show different trends among three major infections. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases continued to rise, although growth slowed, while syphilis continued a decline that began in 2024.
There were 1,570 confirmed gonorrhoea cases, a rate of 69.78 per 100,000 inhabitants. Men accounted for 1,216 cases and women for 354.
Chlamydia accounted for 2,429 confirmed cases, or 108.05 per 100,000 inhabitants. People aged 15 to 24 made up 1,050 cases, or 43.2% of the total. The annual increase slowed to 14.1% in 2025 from 58.6% in 2024, although incidence reached a record high.
There were 683 confirmed syphilis cases, equivalent to 30.36 per 100,000 inhabitants. Public Health links the continuing downward trend to increased testing and early treatment in key populations.
Improvements in surveillance and more sensitive, less invasive diagnostic techniques also allow more cases to be identified and recorded, the health department says.
Testing and stigma
The campaign promotes testing when an infection is suspected and routine checks to support early diagnosis. Public Health also aims to improve access to testing through primary care and community services, including rapid HIV and STI testing programmes run by social organisations.
The directorate says fear of being judged can lead people to delay seeking medical care. It also warns against relying solely on social media or informal advice to identify a possible infection instead of consulting a healthcare professional.