Australia is experiencing a significant rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to a new report from the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney. The findings reveal that cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea have doubled over the past decade, marking a concerning trend in public health. In 2024, there were 5,866 diagnoses of syphilis nationwide, a figure that reflects a dramatic increase from previous years. Similarly, diagnoses of gonorrhoea reached 44,210, also doubling in the same timeframe.
The report highlights the prevalence of chlamydia, with 101,742 diagnoses recorded last year. Alarmingly, around half of these cases were identified in individuals aged 20 to 29, indicating a troubling trend among younger populations. The Kirby Institute’s research suggests that the true number of STIs may be even higher, as only 16 percent of Australians aged 16 to 49 have ever been tested for an STI. Additionally, only one in two people have discussed sexual health with their healthcare providers.
Health Implications and Urgent Recommendations
Dr. Skye McGregor, an epidemiologist at the Kirby Institute, expressed deep concerns about the rising rates of STIs in Australia. “Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are easily treated and cured with antibiotics,” she stated. “Early testing, diagnosis, and treatment can prevent serious outcomes.”
Dr. McGregor emphasized the importance of proactive health measures, noting that untreated STIs can lead to severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women. Furthermore, she pointed out that pregnant individuals could transmit infections to their babies, resulting in serious health consequences. The report indicated that there have been 34 infant deaths attributed to congenital syphilis over the past decade, with more than half of these fatalities occurring among First Nations Australians.
The report highlights stark disparities in STI rates among different demographic groups. Indigenous Australians are diagnosed with chlamydia at more than twice the rate of non-Indigenous people. For gonorrhoea, the rate is almost four times higher, and for syphilis, it exceeds five times higher. Robert Monaghan, a Bundjalung-Gumaynggir man and Manager of the Yandamanjang First Nations Health Research Program at the Kirby Institute, underscored the necessity for culturally safe and community-driven health initiatives. “What’s needed now is real investment in health promotion, testing, and treatment,” he stated.
Prevention and Awareness Strategies
In light of these findings, Dr. McGregor urges sexually active Australians to engage in open discussions about sexual health with their partners, practice safe sex, and undergo regular STI testing. “Prevention is a crucial strategy for driving down STIs,” she noted. The use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission for most STIs and should be considered alongside other preventive measures.
For gay and bisexual men, Dr. McGregor highlighted the availability of doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (doxy PEP), which involves taking the antibiotic within 72 hours of sexual activity to mitigate the risk of bacterial STIs, particularly syphilis and chlamydia.
While the report outlines a troubling rise in many STIs, it also notes a positive development: diagnoses of HIV have declined by 27 percent over the past decade, with 757 cases reported last year. This decline underscores the effectiveness of ongoing public health efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of this virus.
The Kirby Institute’s findings serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges and disparities in sexual health across Australia, particularly among vulnerable populations. Awareness, testing, and timely treatment are vital in reversing these alarming trends.
