Sex Health Service Utilised

A higher proportion of Maori and Pacific youth than other ethnic groups are using a free Waikato sexual health and contraception service for under-25s, according to a report.

About 4500 young people used the service in the 12 months November 2006 to October 2007. On average, they used the service twice. A quarter of all eligible patients were Maori or Pacific islanders. Maori and Pacific islanders make up 21 per cent of the population, so their use of the service was slightly higher than that of other ethnic groups.

For Waikato Primary Health operations manager Erica Amon this iwas “good news” since Maori were disproportionately represented in sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy statistics. “This response highlights that we have improved the access for Maori and Pacific youth. We’re delighted this health need is being met.”

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