A spike in sexually transmitted infections in Australia

Gonorrhoea and syphilis cases have doubled over the past decade

A new report from the Kirby Institute has found that diagnoses of gonorrhoea and syphilis have doubled in Australia over the past 10 years. The report, titled "HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia", found that the incidence of gonorrhoea increased from 13.5 cases per 100,000 population in 2011 to 27.2 cases per 100,000 population in 2021.

The incidence of syphilis also increased, from 2.9 cases per 100,000 population in 2011 to 5.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2021. The report found that the increase in STIs was particularly pronounced among young people, with the highest rates of infection occurring in those aged 15-29 years.

The report's authors say that the increase in STIs is a major public health concern, as they can have serious health consequences, including infertility, blindness, and death. They call for increased efforts to prevent and control STIs, including increased condom use, regular STI testing, and improved access to treatment.