Kirby Institute Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health artwork 2022

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program

In the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health program, we work collaboratively to close the gap in health disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people. Our key focus is on sexual health and blood borne viruses.

Our research enhances the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to respond to HIV, STIsĀ and viral hepatitis. We work with local communities to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia by conducting rigorous, ethical, timely and culturally appropriate research.

We have four main strategies to improve knowledge about sexual health and blood borne viruses within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

  • We conduct research in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • We support existing surveillance activities and identify innovative new areas and methods of surveillance that will benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • We work with existing health services to enhance the capacity of systems and workforces in the areas of service delivery, research and surveillance.
  • We share information through the development of a comprehensive clearinghouse of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sexual Health initiatives including surveillance and research.

We work closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to make a difference to the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.