WA Health Issues Urgent STI Warning to School Leavers Amid Rising Infection Rates
Western Australia’s health authorities are issuing a stark warning to school leavers as they begin end-of-year celebrations, with a significant surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – especially chlamydia – affecting teenagers across the state. The Department of Health reports that the celebratory period often correlates with increased risk-taking behaviors, including unprotected sex and substance use, prompting a proactive public health campaign.
Surge in STIs prompts Snapchat Campaign
Ahead of the annual “Leavers” event,WA Health has launched a targeted campaign on Snapchat,urging students to prioritize sexual health by packing and consistently using condoms,and to proactively seek testing for STIs. This initiative underscores the growing concern over infection rates among young people.
priority Population Identified in New Strategy
The state’s Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Strategy for 2024 to 2030 explicitly identifies individuals aged 15 to 19 as a priority population for intervention and prevention efforts. This strategic focus reflects the disproportionate impact of stis on this age group.
Chlamydia Remains the Most Prevalent STI
Recent data from the Department of health reveals that chlamydia is currently the most prevalent STI in Western Australia. Testing and positivity rates are highest among individuals aged 15 to 24. In 2024 alone, there were 12,874 chlamydia notifications, representing a 9% increase in positivity rates within the teen demographic as 2015.Notably, the chlamydia notification rate in WA is 13% higher than the national average.
Gonorrhoea Cases Reach Decade High
Alongside the rise in chlamydia cases, gonorrhoea notifications reached a decade high in the past year, with 5,239 cases reported. Similar to chlamydia, testing and positivity rates for gonorrhoea were also highest among those aged 15 to 24. The Kimberley region experienced a higher notification rate compared to other areas of the state.
Experts Emphasize Safe Sex and Open Communication
Donna Mak, a senior medical advisor in the Department of Health’s sexual health and bloodborne virus program, emphasized the campaign’s focus on the risks associated with unsafe sexual practices. “It’s also crucial for young people to be able to talk to each other about these things a
Open Dialog
WA Health strongly advises consistent condom use during all forms of sexual intercourse – vaginal, anal, and oral – as a crucial preventative measure against STI transmission. The health authority also encourages parents and caregivers to initiate open and honest conversations with their teenagers about respect, consent, contraception, and available sexual health services.
Consent Remains a Critical Focus
As thousands of school leavers gather in Western Australia’s South West, a video circulating on social media has brought renewed attention to the importance of consent. Dr. Mak reiterated the need for parents to discuss safe sex, alcohol, and drugs with their children. “As a parent it can be awkward and tough to talk to your young person about having safe sex and about alcohol and drugs,” she said.”However, they would welcome it and it’s a really good opportunity to have that conversation to keep your children and your young people safe.”
Key Message: Protection and Testing
Dr. Mak’s primary message for teenagers is clear: always use protection during sexual activity and ensure decisions are made while sober. “when you come back from [leavers], if you’ve had unsafe sex, get an STI test and there’s free testing online that you can get from the Get the Facts site,” she urged. Prioritizing sexual health and seeking timely testing are essential steps in safeguarding well-being during and after the Leavers celebrations.
