VENDING machines offering free sexually transmitted infection (STI) test kits will be placed in regional Victoria as part of a 12-month trial tackling rising rates.
The first of two custom-built machines has been installed in the Murray River town of Echuca as part of a University of Melbourne-led study aimed at improving sexual health outcomes in regional areas.
A second vending machine has been installed in Shepparton and is expected to be officially brought online in the coming months.
University of Melbourne project lead Dave Evans told ABC Statewide Mornings the pilot program specifically targeted regional areas to "help curb rural STI rates".
According to the latest state govt figures, notification rates of gonorrhoea in regional areas grew by 17% between 2016 and 2021, compared to 14% in metropolitan towns.
The number of syphilis infections in rural towns increased by more than 250% in that same time.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 Jul 23
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 13 Jul 23
