Colour condoms backlit from behind. Credit: Shuttestock.

Sexual Health Program

The Sexual Health Program engages in research into the epidemiology, surveillance, microbiology, clinical management, and prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). These STIs include chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, human papillomavirus infection, herpes simplex virus infection and HIV infection. We also work on the health of key populations such as sexual and gender minorities, youth, sex workers, Indigenous people, prisoners, juvenile offenders, migrants, and travellers.

Methodologies used in our research range from descriptive epidemiology with novel analytical techniques, molecular epidemiology, enhanced surveillance strategies, mathematical modelling, data linkage studies, social and behavioural research, test evaluations, managing antimicrobial resistance, evaluating and improving health care delivery, legal and policy research, anthropology, and biomedical prevention.

We coordinate a national surveillance network of over 100 sexual health services, high case-load GPs, and other health services; and collaborate with research laboratories in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.