$7.3 million for new sexual health initiatives

Budget 2011 delivers $7.3 million of reprioritised funding over four years to drive more effective, more efficient services for sexual and reproductive health.

“This will deliver improved sexual and reproductive health for New Zealanders,” says Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia.
Mrs Turia announced the increased investment in services for sexual and reproductive health at the opening of the Whānau Wellness Centre in the Hawke’s Bay.

The areas of focus will be on:
• Refocusing resources towards highest risk groups - in particular rangatahi or young Māori and Pasifika people.
• Evaluating school-based sexuality education - international evidence highlights the need to take into account the diverse needs and experiences of young people
• Evaluating condom promotion initiatives - and expanding health promotion initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma faced by people living with HIV and AIDS. This addresses the reduction in condom use in some populations and steadily increasing HIV rates, particularly amongst men who have sex with men.
• Completion of the Chlamydia project and supporting African communities research project.

For more information please visit: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/73-million-new-sexual-health-initiatives