Eliminating sexually transmissible infections in rural/remote Aboriginal communities

Not only are our researchers looking into eliminating sexually transmitted infections for rural and remote Indigenous communities, but they are also investigating better ways of collecting and disseminating information so that it is culturally appropriate.

Research has already been conducted using young Indigenous people as the contact points, so that members of the community felt comfortable and respected in the information they provided.

Particular conditions addressed in this area of research include chlamydia, gonorrhoeae, genital ulcers, HIV and the rapidly emerging mycoplasma genitalium, a urinary and rectal infection.

Factors considered by our researchers in their work range from antibiotic resistance, to issues of substance abuse, to notions of self-identity and how this relates to sexual behaviour.

Professor James Ward

Professor James Ward is a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, an infectious diseases epidemiologist and a national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. James is the Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Professor within the School of Public Health at The University of Queensland.

Microbial diagnostics and characterisation

The Whiley lab focuses on enhancing the capacity of clinical laboratories to diagnose, identify and characterise bacteria, with an emphasis on respiratory and sexually transmitted infections.

Research spotlight