Zanzu: An Internet-Based Approach to Improved Sexual Health for Migrants
Christine Winkelmann · The Journal of Sexual Medicine · 2017
Migration is an increasingly common phenomenon in a globalized world. Migrants who have just arrived in a new country often lack language skills and knowledge of local customs, regulations and structures. This is particularly true in the area of sexual health. Sexuality is a sensitive topic in many – perhaps all – cultures and, due to various factors, many migrants have not received adequate information about the different aspects of sexuality and sexual health in their originating countries. At the same time, migrants can be more vulnerable to sexual ill health due to the migration process and they need access to quality-assured information on a wide range of topics relating to sexual health. They also need information about how to access sexual health services in their new country. The Federal Centre for Health Education, Germany, has collaborated with Sensoa, a Belgium NGO specializing in sexual health, to develop a multilingual website covering different aspects of sexual health including information on the human body, family planning and pregnancy, infections, sexuality, relationships and feelings, rights and laws. The website is available in in 13 languages. The content is presented in clear language and illustrations help explain complex issues.