Guernsey's Sexual Health Strategy 'refreshed'

As the rate of sexually transmitted infections rises globally, Public Health has published a 'refreshed' Sexual Health Strategy for Guernsey and Alderney.

Public Health launched the Bailiwick's first Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy in 2017.

This has been labelled a 'success', as several changes have occurred since then.

Including: a decline in under-18 conceptions, the introduction of free cervical screenings, the modernisation of the Bailiwick’s abortion law and the appointment of a Sexual Health Outreach Nurse.

The second strategy has been published today (17 April), covering 2025 to 2029.

It will work towards ensuring sexual health education is available to all, treatments are affordable, and data is collected to guide local policy.

A key objective is to give islanders more choice by increasing the number of remote consultations available, enhancing digital services, possibly introducing a postal screening service for sexual health and training staff in the Orchard Centre to become non-medical prescribers.

The strategy also looks to reduce harmful sexual behaviours, child sexual exploitation, sexual assault and violence against women and girls, and the use of pornography.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink says she is pleased to see the publication of the strategy.

"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.

"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."

Health and Social Care President Deputy Al Brouard says the strategy is important.

"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.”