Australia’s STI rates stay high, with syphilis and gonorrhea up since 2016

The Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney has released new sexual health statistics that paint a mixed picture for Australia. The latest figures show that rates of syphilis and gonorrhoea remain high, following significant increases since 2016, while chlamydia rates have stabilized yet remain the most frequently notified sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Despite the stability of chlamydia, the continued prevalence of syphilis and gonorrhoea signals ongoing public health challenges. The data highlight that these infections are still widespread across the country, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies. The persistence of high rates suggests that current interventions may not be fully effective in curbing transmission.

The report also notes that First Nations peoples experience higher rates of all STIs, a disparity that points to systemic inequities in access to care. These findings emphasize the importance of sustained investment in culturally safe sexual health services to address the specific needs of Indigenous communities and reduce overall STI burden.