Introduction

The Talk Test Treat Trace, Western Australian Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Blood-borne Virus (BBV) Manual for Aboriginal Communities (the Manual) is a comprehensive tool to guide the prevention, early detection and treatment of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs). It has been developed to support health professionals to plan, deliver, monitor and evaluate STI and BBV programs.

Topics cover the continuum of care from prevention and treatment through to workforce development. In addition, it provides practical guides to establish programs such as outreach initiatives, and needle and syringe programs (NSPs). 

The Manual is aimed at regional and remote professionals and those working with Aboriginal populations. People providing services in the metropolitan area and for other priority populations are also likely to benefit from the guidance it provides.

Acknowledgements:

• Janet Knox (consultant)
• Lisa Bastian (Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, WA Department of Health)
• Rudie Marshall-Lang (Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, WA Department of Health)
• David Worthington (Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, WA Department of Health)
• Jude Bevan (Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, WA Department of Health)
• Elizabeth Tyndall (Communications Directorate, WA Department of Health)
• Benny Sullivan (formerly Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, WA Department of Health)
• Kassie Johnston (WA Country Health Service- Goldfields)
• Angela Corry (Peer Based Harm Reduction WA)
• Victoria Salerno (Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service)
• Vee Leddiman (Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service)
• Marianne Wood (Aboriginal Health Council of WA)
• Brett Walley (Aboriginal Health Council of WA)
• Ben Bradstreet (Anglicare)
• Megan Robson (Great Southern Aboriginal Health Service)
• Susan Carruthers (Peer Based Harm Reduction WA)
• Daniel Vujcich (formerly Aboriginal Health Council of WA)
• Jemima Higgins (South West Aboriginal Medical Service)
• Elena Donaghy (Sexual Health Quarters)
• Robyn Wansbrough (Sexual Health Quarters)
• Meagan Roberts (formerly Aboriginal Health Council of WA)

Reference Group:

• Rose Murray (Sexual Health Quarters)
• Veronica Walshe (Aboriginal Health Council of WA)
• Marisa Giles (WA Country Health Service- Midwest)
• Gloria Jones (WA Country Health Service- Midwest)
• Jan-Marie Grantham (WA Country Health Service- Pilbara)
• Tim O'Brien (East Metropolitan Health Service)
• Richelle Douglas (Sexual Health Quarters)
• Troy Edwards (WA Country Health Service- Kimberley)