PASHANZ Meets on East Coast

Media Statement

Tuesday 18 November 2003

PASHANZ Meets on East Coast

Up to forty New Zealand sexual health promoters will spend two days at Whitireia Marae as part of the Promoters Advocating for Sexual Health in Aotearoa New Zealand or PASHANZ, conference this week.

The theme is responsiveness to Maori and the development of holistic strategies to empower Maori.

“This is great opportunity to network with other Sexual Health Promoters on a national level,” said Tairawhiti District Health (TDH) sexual health promoter Tina Ahuriri.

“Out of this conference we are particularly looking for new ways to help reduce the sexual health statistics for Tairawhiti youth and rangitahi.”

Statistics from Gisborne’s Community Clinic show that young people in particular need to be mindful that infections are possible. They need to take basic precautions to keep themselves, and their sexual partners safe.''

"We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves safe -- safe sex means using condoms for protection from sexually transmissible infections and HIV/AIDS.”

"We also advise young people to visit their doctor or sexual health clinic if they have any concerns about their sexual wellbeing as early treatment for a sexually transmitted infection means you face less risk of complications. Untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to long term problems, including infertility."

The Community Clinic, 141 Bright St, offers sexual health checks, free condoms, cervical smears, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception and contraception information and education.

ENDS

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