Sexual Health Promotion

• The number of people infected each year in New Zealand with HIV has decreased over the last two years, although with 195 new cases reported in 2007 this is still a significant public health issue.
• New Zealand has high rates of STIs especially Chlamydia which is the most commonly diagnosed STI. Dunedin’s rate of Chlamydia is one of the highest when compared to other cities and regions and is also significantly higher than rates in Australia, USA and the UK
• Chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women and can cause other serious health problems in women such as ectopic pregnancies and pelvic inflammatory disease
• There are significant disparities between New Zealand Europeans and Maori and Pacific Island populations in regard to rates of STIs, repeat STI infections and teen pregnancies
• There are smaller numbers of men accessing sexual health services compared to women.

• Reduce incidence and impact of sexually transmitted disease
• Improve reproductive health status
• Reduced stigma and discrimination of sexual and reproductive health
• Normalise condom use
• Increase access and uptake of sexual and reproductive health resources, services 

• We are a member of Sexual Health Information Providers (SHIP), which is working towards a sexual health strategy for the Otago region
• Safe sex packs are being developed that are free for youth and available from public health nurses in schools and youth hot spots.
• Focus groups are being run in schools to see how the students want sexual health promotion aimed at them.
• The Working Together Group promotes World AIDS day and the Candlelight memorial for those affected by AIDS.

• Rape Crisis
• Sexual Health Clinic
• Student Health
• Well Dunedin PHO  
• AIDS Foundation
• Awarua Social and Health Services 
• The Invercargill - Te Ara a Kewa PHO