Creidu

New measures to counter blood borne viruses and STIs

April 2014

According to a media release from the Department of Health, the Australian Government is investing $22.45 million over four years for prevention programmes to help address increasing rates of sexual transmissible infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

This programme will include the following initiatives:

  • $7.2 million to reduce high rates of STIs among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priority populations, particularly in regional and remote settings.
  • $1 million for point of care demonstration testing projects to increase the HIV testing rate by offering tests which provide rapid results.
  • $5.1 million for needle and syringe programmes, particularly in rural and regional areas.
  • $4.6 million to increase uptake of testing and treatment for hepatitis B among priority populations.

For the full media release, visit medianet.com.au.

"Australia has been a leader in minimising the spread of these infections and the new investment will build on this work."

Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton