The NZAF Positive Health Services team is responsible for providing sexual risk assessment, HIV prevention via testing and individual behavioural support, advocacy, education and individual health promotion in the areas of HIV and AIDS.
Objectives
The objectives of the NZAF Positive Health Services in their delivery of an HIV and AIDS related sexual health promotion service are:
- To reduce the rate of transmission of HIV in the general community through more people knowing their HIV status, accessing appropriate treatments and care and receiving support and education to practice safe sex
- To enable and support people living with HIV and AIDS to participate in service delivery and design, manage their health status and to continue to maximise their health and wellbeing to a level comparable to that of all New Zealanders
- To promote the sexual health of population groups at greatest risk of HIV infection in New Zealand
- To reduce stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV from those working within the health system, in associated services, and workplaces
- To promote appropriate service delivery that meets the needs of HIV positive people, including seamless systems of care from testing through to sustained wellness.
Services
NZAF Positive Health Services are responsible for providing:
- HIV pre-test risk assessment and post test discussion and counselling, including providing information to individuals most at risk and fearful of their HIV status
- HIV health promotion and counselling to individuals, their partners and their family and whānau
- Sexual health risk assessment, health promotion and counselling for individuals and their sexual partners, including optional testing for other STIs, in particular with the introduction of a rapid syphilis testing system in 2008
- Provision of professional support services for people living with HIV and AIDS to enable them to maximise their choices and access to services
- Education, support, and collaboration with other health care professionals and health organisations that have a component of their service with a focus on HIV and AIDS sexual health
- Production of Collective Thinking a quartile magazine for those infected and affected by HIV
- Administration of the Wellness Fund
- Organisation of Candlelight Memorial with historical context and ongoing activities
- Management of the Positive speaker’s service to external organisations and groups
- Provision of a treatment officer service with information on current medications, access and funding within New Zealand.