In what is believed to be a first for Australasia, the New Zealand AIDS Foundation's Gay Men's Health team has this week launched an interactive safe sex texting service. Users of the “Safe Sex Txt” service, which is targeted at gay and bisexual men, can text in any questions or concerns they have about sexual health for 50 cents, and receive a personalised reply from an NZAF health promoter within 24 hours. “Other services of this type launched overseas have been automated, but ‘Safe Sex Txt' allows for free form questions,” says Gay Men's Health Team Co-ordinator Douglas Jenkin. “This is also the first service of this type specifically for gay and bisexual men, who are the highest risk group for HIV transmission in New Zealand.” “Safe Sex Txt” has been launched to extend the reach of existing services run by Gay Men's Health. “We've been answering safe sex questions through our website for some time now,” Jenkin continues. “‘Safe Sex Text' will mean that gay and bisexual men won't need to be accessing a computer to get timely advice about safe sex and sexual health.” Users can also find out their nearest HIV testing location, and even order free condoms through “Safe Sex Txt”. “These are services we provide online, and it has proven so popular that we thought it was time to expand into other areas,” Jenkin says. “Texting is a very discreet and accessible form of communication, which is why we've chosen to launch this service.” More information about “Safe Sex Txt” can be found at the official website – click the link below. Ref: Gay Men's Health (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Monday, 12th February 2007 - 12:00pm