This report provides information on the occurrence of blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. The report is published for the purposes of stimulating and supporting discussion on ways to minimise the risk of transmission of these infections as well as the personal and social impacts within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The report is produced for use by a wide range of health service providers and consumers, and particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and communities.
Key findings
- In 2024, the infectious syphilis notification rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were more than five times as high, chlamydia rates were more than twice as high, and gonorrhoea rates were almost four times as high compared to non-Indigenous people.
- In 2024, there were 23 new HIV notifications among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- In 2024, the hepatitis C and hepatitis B notification rates were seven times and 1.3 times as high, respectively, than those of non-Indigenous people.
