Launch of Youth Sexual Health Strategy

An innovative provincial strategy has been launched today, Oct. 12, to improve the sexual health of Nova Scotia youth.

The document, called Framework for Action: Youth Sexual Health in Nova Scotia, is a comprehensive approach to sexual health education, services and supports for youth. It will be implemented over the next five to seven years.

The framework was developed by the Nova Scotia Roundtable on Youth Sexual Health, a group of health professionals, educators, government and non-government organizations interested in youth sexual health issues.

Implementation of the framework will be lead by the roundtable, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, the Department of Education, youth and other key partners who are committed to youth sexual health issues.

The framework will increase community awareness and support for youth sexual health issues, expand school-based sexual health education, encourage youth participation in sexual health decision-making and ensure services are youth centred and available throughout Nova Scotia.

"Our department is committed to supporting implementation of the framework and will play a leadership role," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "Sexual health is one of our key priorities."

Recent research indicates some Nova Scotia youth continue to have unprotected sex and unplanned sex while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This puts them at risk.

Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and includes healthy relationships, positive body image, decision-making skills, access to comprehensive sexuality information and the absence of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

"The Department of Education will play a critical role in implementing the school-based component of the framework," said Karen Casey, Minister of Education. "Access to comprehensive sexuality information helps youth to make informed decisions about their personal health."

The roundtable will work with government and other organizations and community groups to publicize and implement the framework for action. That work will include setting up provincial and regional working groups.

"It has taken the contributions and hard work of a lot of community and government partners to get the framework to this point," said Rhonda Phillips, a member of the roundtable. "But our work is really just beginning."