BCHS-Health-Promotion-Strategic-Plan-2025-2029 - Flipbook - Page 14
Improving sexual and
reproductive health
Evidence and rationale
Within Greater Bendigo, the rate for Chlamydia infections is 17.86 for females and 12.43 for males,
per 10,000 people in Greater Bendigo. Particularly for females, the rate is higher than the state,
which is 14.8 per 10,000 (Women’s Health Atlas, 2024). Data also demonstrated an approximate
55% increase in chlamydia notifications among females, per 10,000 people, from 2021-2023
(Department of Health, 2024)). In addition, rates of Hepatitis C are higher in CoGB than rest of
Victoria, with 2024 seeing Bendigo 26.8 per 100,000 and Victoria 19.5 per 100,000 (LMPHU, 2025)
Rates of medical abortion have been rising in Greater Bendigo, with 5.9 patients per 1,000 in 2023,
an increase from 3.9 from 2019 (Women’s Health Atlas, 2025). From 2017-2021, the number of
abortion services by prescriber and pharmacy location was 3.5 times higher in Greater Bendigo
than the Loddon Mallee average (CERSH SWAP, 2023). Lastly, adolescent birth rates in Greater
Bendigo are higher than the Loddon Mallee and Victoria state average (CERSH SWAP, 2023).
Actions to improve sexual
and reproductive health
Goal: People living in the City of Greater Bendigo to experience the best health and
wellbeing possible
Objectives:
Support CoGB residents to achieve optimal sexual and reproductive health and reduce
the transmission and impact of BBV and STI.
Programs:
Condom Campaign
Introduction to puberty
Sexual Health Education
CERSH’s STI-X machine pilot
(CERSH Lead – BCHS Support)
Settings
Primary and secondary schools,
Community organisations and
neighbourhood centres
Health providers and health
services
