This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sexual Health Week
04/08/2006
Sexual Health Week, which aims to raise awareness about health issues, begins on Monday.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"Improving Scotland's poor sexual health record is a priority for us.
"Our action plan sets out ways to deliver improved access to sexual health services in Scotland and we are investing £15 million over three years. This funding should help to ensure people of all ages can access sexual health services wherever they live in Scotland.
"Our national sexual health strategy is based on the principles of self-respect, respect for others and strong relationships. Education has a key role to play which is why we are working with parents, schools and NHS Health Scotland to provide additional support and information around relationships and sexual health. I would also encourage parents to talk to their kids about relationships and sexual health. Only when you know the facts can you take responsible and informed decisions.
"We are aiming to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, including Chlamydia. The Chlamydia postal testing kit, developed by Healthy Respect, helps improve access to testing and we are exploring the most cost effective way of making it available to other boards, should they wish to make use of it.
"We have to strike a balance between what government can do to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases or unintended pregnancies and the individual responsibility each one of us has for our own actions and our own sexual health. This year National Sexual Health Week is promoting the use of condoms and we would support that. Our message for good sexual health is - 'delay until you're ready, but be safe when you are active'."