Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy

Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy - Phase One

Date of publication: October 2001

Positive sexuality and healthy sexual and reproductive health are Government priorities. As we are sexual beings, positive sexual identity and sexuality are fundamental to our sense of self, self-esteem and ability to lead a fulfilling life.

The Government’s concern focuses on two key areas:

1. New Zealand’s increasing number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV

2. the high level of unintended/unwanted pregnancies.

New Zealand has had some success, for example, in maintaining a relatively low prevalence of HIV transmission, and some individual programmes have addressed unintended/unwanted pregnancy. We have learnt that success means an ongoing commitment – these issues do not go away.

Given the continued need for action and the lessons we have learnt, this document is the first phase of a two-phase process to guide the health sector.

Phase one provides the guiding principles and outlines the strategic direction.

Phase two involves the development of population-specific plan for Maori and another document for Pacific peoples, which will guide and relate to specific action plans for the management of STIs, addressing unwanted/ unintended pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.

A plan for sexual abuse and sexual violence will also be developed.

Document availability

This publication is available in hard copy. To order a copy email moh@wickliffe.co.nz or call 04 496 2277, quoting HP number 3468. Please let us know your name, your physical address and how many copies you would like.

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Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy - Phase One (PDF, 423 kB)

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Related information

Other Ministry of Health Strategies

Sexual health

Health Statistics

Your Pregnancy - To Haputanga
Includes information on choosing a Lead Maternity Carer

Other websites:

Family Planning Association NZ

Fertility NZ