South Australian Aboriginal Sexually Transmissible Infection and Blood Borne Virus Action Plan

SA Health is committed to addressing the health inequities faced by Aboriginal people, and reducing the gap in health outcomes between South Australia’s Aboriginal people and the rest of South Australia’s population.

Sexually transmissible infections (STI) and blood borne viruses (BBV) in South Australian Aboriginal communities are a public health issue requiring coherent policy and program responses to promote the future health and wellbeing of the State’s population.

The ‘South Australian Aboriginal STI and BBV Action Plan 2020-2024’ (PDF 2074KB) (Action Plan) will address the significant STI and BBV related health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous South Australians and reinvigorate the current STI and BBV program and service landscape.

To achieve this, a strengths-based approach will be adopted that recognises the critical importance of culture as a health protective factor for Aboriginal people, and the inherent strengths of individuals, families and communities. A strengths-based approach is underpinned by respect for culture, forming genuine working partnerships, and engagement with families and communities to ensure care is consumer centred.

The Action Plan provides a framework for a coordinated effort by SA Health, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA), other non-government organisations, researchers and clinicians to address the high incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality associated with STI and BBV infection (including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C) in Aboriginal communities in South Australia.