STIEF is a national consumer-focused organisation which provides medically accurate information, support, education and resources based on current international best practice, regarding the optimal management of herpes, HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

We are an umbrella organisation providing governance and project management to the New Zealand Herpes Foundation, the New Zealand HPV Project and Just the Facts (about sexual health and STIs).

STIEF is a non-profit incorporated company and a registered charity.

Purpose / Pūtake

Promoting optimal sexual health outcomes for all peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.

E whakatairanga ana i ngā putanga hauora onioni papai mō ngā iwi katoa o Aotearoa. 

Why we were formed / Te take i whakatū ai mātou

The organisation was formed in response to the identified need for education, support, and understanding for people affected by STIs. Also in recognition that health professionals require specialised skills and resources to provide optimum STI diagnosis and management.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, STIs are common, although the true incidence and prevalence is unknown as many STIs are asymptomatic (do not show symptoms) and remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated. Many people who are diagnosed with STIs experience shock, shame and feelings of isolation; accentuated by the myths, ignorance and stigma which society, both lay and professional, perpetuate.

The STIEF founders recognised that the physical, psychological and social consequences of STIs severely compromise the quality of life of those affected. Two key factors were identified as being central to improving the wellbeing of people affected by STIs:

• addressing the stigma and misinformation surrounding these infections through education.

• ensuring that health professionals have access to national best practice clinical guidelines to enable optimal patient management.

Operation / Ngā whakahaere

STIEF is governed by a Board of Directors. We currently have seven Directors who constitute the board.

Our day-to-day operations are managed by our Executive Director, Clinical Lead, Administrator and Digital Communications Assistants, and team of Nurse Counsellors who run our dedicated sexual health helpline.

History / Hītori

STIEF was established in 1999 as the Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections Education Foundation as an umbrella organisation providing governance and project management to the New Zealand Herpes Foundation and the New Zealand HPV Project. In 2011 it was renamed the Sexually Transmitted Infections Education Foundation and, in 2013, the scope of the organisation was expanded to include information and education regarding all STIs; and resulted in the launch of the Just the Facts, an online resource aimed primary at young people about sexual health and STIs.

Funding / Haupū moni mai

STIEF is funded mainly through a contract with Te Whatu Ora. We are also reliant on donations and educational grants to support ongoing development and delivery of our services in order to meet the needs of our consumers and the demands of changing technology.