THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has welcomed the development of a national strategy on sexually transmissible infections, but says not enough is being done to tackle rising rates of sexually transmissible infections in vulnerable communities or to help eliminate congenital syphilis.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the strategy will help combat stigma associated with sexually transmissible infections across Australia, but the current rise in congenital syphilis cases, disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, was of "grave concern", with stillbirths and infant deaths occurring as a result of infection.
Congenital syphilis - where the syphilis infection is passed from mother to child during pregnancy - is entirely preventable if women have ongoing access to antenatal care, said Dr McMullen, adding that prevention could be further enhanced by a community-wide STI awareness, prevention and treatment campaign.
The draft of the Fifth National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2024-2030 is currently available for consultation.
The strategy features pharmacists in its key areas for action relating to workforce development, with pharmacies also being highlighted among settings that provide opportunities for STI prevention and awareness.
Proposed measures include involving community pharmacies to increase STI screening, vaccination and access to treatment, and to embed sexual health, STI information and awareness of stigma in pharmacist education and training programs.
Pharmacies are also key among the primary and tertiary care settings in which people affected by STIs may access healthcare, and are critical entry ways for priority groups to receive adequate care.
The AMA has also urged the government to recognise and support the sexual health needs of older Australians, including those in aged care, through policies and programs that include targeted sexual and reproductive health education, health promotion, and prevention strategies.
"Older Australians are often overlooked when it comes to sexual and reproductive health policies and research, but the prevalence of STIs among older Australian women is also increasing," Dr McMullen pointed out.
"Programs to address STI rates in older people need to be underpinned by ongoing research and the provision of information and education to health and aged care service providers.
"This must include strategies to promote the sexual health of older people and ensure services are inclusive." KB
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