ENDING-STIs

A multidisciplinary multi-phased study aimed at eliminating STIs in remote areas of Australia using a precision public health approach

For well over two decades, STIs have been endemic in many remote and regional communities in Australia - identified as the leading incident morbidity for Aboriginal people aged 10-24 years.

To address this problem, this project will utilise multidisciplinary research (i.e. epidemiology, genomics and qualitative research) and a precision public health approach. Precision public health is an emerging field that uses multidisciplinary data to address public health issues for specific populations, rather than traditional public health approaches that focus on whole populations. Data will be collated, synthesised and mapped locally to help inform precise public health interventions.

Working in select remote communities, this multi-phased study aims to eliminate STIs (defined as 50-90% reduction in incidence), eliminate congenital syphilis, improve management of blood borne viruses and enhance the delivery of healthcare services. Expected impacts from this study include significant reduction in STI incidence and improvement in sexual health services.

Importantly, this study will be undertaken in partnership with a community coalition comprised of approximately 30 local community members. These coalitions will ensure that our research is truly developed, led and evaluated by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.