The Bailiwick’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy has been updated to prevent the global rise in sexually transmitted infections having a similar impact here.
The first strategy covered the years 2017-23, with the new strategy covering 2025-29.
The Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink said she’s proud of Guernsey and Alderney’s records in dealing with sexual health risks so far, but the islands need to stay ahead of emerging trends that are being seen elsewhere.
“Guernsey is ahead of many countries in the world in already having a Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy in place to generate high quality sexual health information to underpin policy, practice, service planning and strategic monitoring,” she said.
“This strategy refresh serves to update our current Strategy to take account of new data and emerging trends. However, there is a need to be proactive and anticipatory and to be able to relate and respond to the future sexual and reproductive health needs of the community. I am therefore very pleased to see the publication of this Strategy and look forward to working together to achieve the aims of this important Public Health initiative.”
Public Health has led the refresh of Guernsey and Alderney’s Sexual Health Strategy with support from other stakeholders, including charities and private organisations.
Having already marked a number of ‘successes’ including a reduction in under-18 conception rates, the provision of free cervical screening, the modernisation of the Bailiwick’s abortion law, and a focus on delivering services in different settings, the refreshed strategy sets new targets.
The areas of focus now include things like the use of more remote consultations, maximising the availability of services, enhanced digital services and consideration of a postal screening service, and reducing harmful sexual behaviours and child sexual exploitation.
Dr Jenny Rivers-Moore, Associate Specialist in Public Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategic Lead, said the new areas of focus also contribute to promoting life long sexual health and wellbeing.
“This strategy recognises the fact that sexual health is not only about disease or infection but is also about promoting positive sexual health and wellbeing throughout the life course.”
She added: “Working together across the States of Guernsey, as well as with the Private and Third Sectors, will help us to achieve our aim of providing equitable and holistic services, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing.”
Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said: “The Committee for Health & Social Care looks forward to working together with our partners and the wider community to achieve the aims within this updated Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy. We need to continually work towards improving sexual and reproductive health services and create an environment where all people can enjoy good sexual and reproductive health.
“My Committee would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of our key Third Sector partner, Choices, who contributed significantly to this updated Strategy and thank them for their ongoing help and support.”