Katherine is missing out on a free condom and a red rose today.
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Today is national condom day (as well as Valentine's Day) and various organisations around the NT have seized on this as a chance to spread the word about our horrible rates of sexual disease.
STI’s are the most common infectious disease in Katherine.
We also have one of the highest rates of syphilis in the country.
There were more than 70 syphilis notifications in Katherine in 2017.
Yet, no free rose and a condom, not this year anyway.
The NT Aids and Hepatitis Council is giving away the roses and condoms in Darwin and Alice Springs, but not Katherine.
The council's acting executive director Daniel Alderman just happens to be in Katherine today and said maybe free roses and condoms next year.
The council does have plans to roll out easier access to free condoms in Katherine.
It has plans to approach Katherine Town Council to install free dispensing machines in public toilets.
In other areas it has also asked pubs to get on board.
Mr Alderman said the council was also talking with local health agencies about helping to restock the dispensing machines.
"We are aware of the high rates of STI's in Katherine, and across the Territory," he said.
"Hopefully soon, and free roses with condoms next year."
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