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A national sexually transmissible infections strategy: the need for an all-embracing approach

Adrian Mindel and Susan Kippax
Med J Aust 2005; 183 (10): . || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb07149.x
Published online: 21 November 2005

Specific priority actions and screening programs should target sexually active young people

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing in many parts of the world including Australia,1 and the release of the first Australian National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy to deal with STIs is timely.2 Three very appropriate priority areas have been identified: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sexual health, STIs in men who have sex with men, and control and prevention of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis among young people.


  • 1 Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW.
  • 2 National Centre in HIV Social Research, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW.


Correspondence: 

  • 1. National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research. HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia. Annual surveillance report 2005. Sydney: NCHECR, 2005.
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  • 3. UK Department of Health. Sexual Health and HIV Strategy, 2001. Available at: .http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/SexualHealth/fs/en (accessed Oct 2005).
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  • 6. Weaver H, Smith G, Kippax S. School-based sex education policies and indicators of sexual health among young people: a comparison of the Netherlands, France, Australia and the United States. Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning 2005; 5: 171-188.
  • 7. The United Kingdom Parliament. Memorandum submitted by the Sex Education Forum (SH 136), 2005. Available at: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmhealth/69/3010904.htm (accessed Oct 2005).
  • 8. Mindel A, Estcourt C. Condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. In: Mindel A, editor. Condoms. London: BMJ Books, 2000: 62-84.
  • 9. O'Connor CC, Berry G, Rohrsheim R, Donovan B. Sexual health and use of condoms among local and international sex workers in Sydney. Genitourin Med 1996; 72: 47-51.
  • 10. Chen M, Donovan B. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Australia: epidemiology and clinical implications. Sexual Health 2004; 1: 189-196.
  • 11. Abbott T. Pilot testing program for chlamydia. Media release 2005; 27 June. Available at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/health-mediarel-yr2005-ta-abb078.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2005&mth=6 (accessed Oct 2005).
  • 12. Chen MY, Donovan B. Screening for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection: are men the forgotten reservoir? Med J Aust 2003; 179: 124-125. <MJA full text>
  • 13. Potterat JJ. Active detection of men with asymptomatic chlamydial or gonorrhoeal urethritis. Int J STD AIDS 2005; 16: 458.
  • 14. Hermann B. Effectiveness: the fall and rise of chlamydia in Sweden. The role of opportunistic screening. Proceedings of the 16th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research; 2005 July 10–13; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Abstract number TW-304. Available at: http://www.isstdr.nl/0605%20ISSTDR%20Program%20Book%20DEF.pdf (accessed Oct 2005).

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