Combatting STIs: Free Clinic Launched

A new free walk-in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinic has been launched in Civic, Canberra, with the aim of encouraging younger individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining their sexual health. The clinic, operated by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT), offers free testing for STIs and blood-borne viruses (BBV) without the need for appointments.

The clinic is specifically targeted at individuals under the age of 30 who are asymptomatic, providing them with a convenient and accessible way to get screened for STIs. According to SHFPACT senior medical officer Dr Clare Holberton, many STIs do not exhibit symptoms, emphasizing the importance of regular screening. The most common STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can be tested for through simple tests, and the clinic will also offer cervical cancer screening for women over 25.

In related news, Roche has received US FDA clearance for its cobas liat system, a point-of-care testing system capable of screening for multiple STIs from a single sample. This innovative system can provide results in just 20 minutes, reducing the need for follow-up appointments and potentially lowering the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics. With over 1 million people worldwide acquiring curable STIs every day, this development is a significant step forward in the fight against these infections.

The new clinic in Civic will operate from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm every Tuesday, and SHFPACT hopes to make the service long-term, with initial funding secured for six months. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by STIs, initiatives like these are crucial in promoting sexual health awareness and providing accessible testing and treatment options.