Articles tagged with Hiv
South Island Needle Exchange Programme Launches to Reduce Substance Harm
3 weeks ago | 206 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey officially opened the South Island Needle Exchange Programme, New Zealand’s first harm reduction initiative aimed at preventing substance-related harm and reducing blood-borne infections like HIV and hepatitis C. The programme, delivered by the Te Waipounamu Collective, provides not only clean equipment but also health information, overdose prevention, and referral services to support people at all stages of addiction. This initiative complements broader government efforts, including increased investment in substance harm prevention, workforce expansion, and community-based support services, resulting in improved health outcomes and reduced addiction-related harms.
Tags: Matt Doocey South Island Needle Exchange Programme Te Waipounamu Collective Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Trust He Waka Tapu Poutini Waiora Te Piki Oranga Mental Health Minister HIV preventionThe 80s Calling Campaign: Ending HIV Stigma and Discrimination in New Zealand
1 month ago | 231 viewsAssociate Health Minister Matt Doocey launched the “The 80s Calling” campaign to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination in New Zealand, targeting especially older generations influenced by outdated fears from the 1980s. Despite progress in reducing HIV infections, nearly three-quarters of New Zealanders still hold some stigma, which hinders the goal of zero transmission by 2030. The campaign, developed with key organizations and supported by new mental health services, will run across multiple media platforms to promote accurate information and inclusivity for people living with HIV.
Tags: Matt Doocey The 80s Calling Burnett Foundation Aotearoa Positive Women Body Positive New Zealand HIV AIDS Gen X Undetectable = UntransmittableAnzac Stories: Interactive Digital History for Kiwi Kids to Explore Anzac Heroes
1 month ago | 261 viewsA new digital initiative called Anzac Stories has launched, offering children an engaging online experience to explore New Zealand’s Anzac histories through archival photographs, maps, timelines, and minigames. Created by Archives New Zealand and the National Library, the platform highlights diverse heroes from past conflicts and provides historically accurate information accessible from home or school. The project was developed with student input to ensure it appeals to young learners, encouraging families and educators to utilize this rich educational resource.
Tags: Anzac Stories Brooke van Velden Archives New Zealand National Library Anzac histories digital initiative Kiwi children Belmont School Adventure School New Zealand conflictsNew Zealand Joins Global U=U Call-to-Action to End HIV Transmission by 2030
3 months ago | 497 viewsNew Zealand has signed the global Call-to-Action on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), reinforcing its commitment to ending HIV transmission and reducing stigma by promoting that effective treatment leads to an undetectable viral load, preventing sexual transmission. This endorsement aligns with New Zealand’s National HIV Action Plan aiming to eliminate local HIV transmission by 2030 and addresses barriers like stigma despite strong treatment and viral suppression rates. New Zealand is the fifth country to join this initiative, which supports equitable access to testing and treatment, community-led efforts, and public understanding, building on recent progress in HIV prevention and care.
Tags: Matt Doocey New Zealand HIV U=U HIV transmission stigma discrimination National HIV Action Plan HIV Monitoring ReportNew Funding Boosts Faster Mental Health Support for New Zealanders on World AIDS Day
6 months ago | 558 viewsMental Health and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey announced new funding for the Burnett Foundation to launch a wraparound counselling service, improving faster access to mental health support for people affected by HIV and their families. This initiative, supported by the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund, will expand both face-to-face and online counselling nationwide. The announcement aligns with New Zealand’s HIV Action Plan and the release of the first HIV Monitoring Report, aiming to eliminate local HIV transmission by 2030.
Tags: Matt Doocey Burnett Foundation Mental Health World AIDS Day HIV New Zealand Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund HIV Action Plan community organisations HIV Monitoring Report