Crown Public Health

Areas we work in / Ngā Wāhi Mahi

SEXUAL HEALTH

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STICommunity and Public Health promotes positive sexual and reproductive health and responsible sexual behaviour to minimise the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. The two main areas of concern are New Zealand's increasing rates of STIs, and the high level of unintended pregnancies. There has been a consistent rise in chlamydia rates in the past few years, along with the re-emergence of gonorrhoea and syphilis. STI rates are disproportionately high in young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years and in Māori and Pacific youth.

HIV rates are also of concern, and there is a close relationship between the spread of HIV and other STIs. Not only are the risks similar, but also the presence of other STIs may facilitate HIV spread. Infection spread can be reduced by prevention measures, such as using condoms every time, delaying the first sex experience, and limiting the number of partners.

Staff at Community and Public Health provide the following services:

  • Provision of sexual and reproductive health information on to the public
  • Distribution of condoms and lubricants
  • Mana PackEducational sessions for high needs groups in the community (limited sessions available)
  • Dr G online service for young people answering questions on sexuality and relationships
  • Seminars to update and inform those working in the sexual health/youth areas
  • Pink Health Otautahi project to support the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender community
  • Participation in local events related to HIV/AIDS e.g. World AIDS Day, AIDS Candlelight Memorial
  • Contact tracing for STIs
  • Handling requests for information and complaints with regard to the Prostitution Reform Act.
  • Producing a sexual health newsletter twice annually

Documents

PDF  Treat Yourself Right: Information for Women living with HIV or AIDS 2009
PDF  An Integrated Approach to Infectious Disease: Priorities for Action 2002-2006
PDF  Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy: Phase One 2001
PDF  Sexual and Reproductive Health: A resource book for NZ health care organisations 2003
PDF  HIV/AIDS Action Plan: Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2003
PDF  AIDS - New Zealand Biannual Update (University of Otago Medical School)
PDF  Sexually Transmitted Infections in New Zealand: Annual Surveillance Reports 

Downloads - hard copies available from the Community Health Information Centre

PDF  Being Safer Sexually
PDF  Chlamydia Information Guide
PDF  What are Genital Warts?
PDF  What is Genital Herpes?
PDF  What is Gonorrhoea?
PDF  What are STI Tests?
PDF  Preventing HIV Infection

Links

Sexual Health (Ministry of Health)
NZ AIDS Foundation
Positive Women
Family Planning
Dr G
The Word
Urge (for Youth)
Qtopia
Rainbow Youth
Out There (Queer Youth Development Project)
GayNZ.com
Agender (for Transgender)

   
 
 

Lists of some of the sexual health services in your area:

Christchurch

Rangiora and Kaikoura

Ashburton and Timaru

West Coast (including Buller, Reefton, Dobson, and Westland)

 
 

 

 
 

Useful Phone Numbers

Family Planning Line
0800 372 5463

Breastscreen Aotearoa
0800 270 200

Cervical Screening Programme
0800 729 729

Healthline (For a nurse 24 hours)
0800 611 116

Youthline/Project MANA
0800 37 66 33

AIDS Hotline
0800 802 437

 
 

 

 
 

For further information please contact:

Canterbury
Diane Shannon
Ph: +64 3 378 6755
Fax: +64 3 379 6125

South Canterbury
(Youth Sexual Health)
Anna Reihana
Ph: +64 3 688 6019
Fax: +64 3 3 688 6091

West Coast
(Youth Sexual Health)
Ph: +64 3 768 1160
Fax: +64 3 768 1169