Report on sexual health in the NT
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
In the recently published sexual health and blood borne virus unit surveillance report (July-Dec 07), data has highlighted a significant drop in the number of sexually transmitted diseases in the under 14 years age bracket, when compared with the previous six months (Jan-June 07).
The report produced by the Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory has reported rates for sexually transmitted diseases 2007 versus 2006 indicate a slight overall drop in year on year numbers of reported STIs.
A total of 58 young people, aged 10 to 14 years were reported as having a sexually transmitted disease, this is 62 down on the previous six months (Jan-June 07). A total of four young people below the age of ten were also reported and this compares with six in the previous period.
Mandatory reporting of child abuse including sexual abuse is law in the Northern Territory. Health staff are also mandated to report suspected abuse.
Should a young person be suspected of being a victim of sexual abuse, guidelines are in place to support staff to make a formal report to police.
Department guidelines are also available to staff to manage young people who are sexually active, pregnant and/or found to have an STI.
These guidelines are used throughout the NT.
Wendy Armstrong Department of Health and Community Services, Sexual Health Program said the Department provides health information to young people to give them the skills to make sensible decisions about their sexual behaviour.
“This includes supporting teachers to be able to offer comprehensive sex education through the school years and facilitating education programs for out of school youth,” said Ms Armstrong.
Media contact: Lorraine Hook 0401 116 203
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