TTANGO aims to take the next key steps towards wider implementation of STI POC testing in high prevalence areas in Australia. Through TTANGO, STI POC testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas on the Cepheid GeneXpert® is being implemented in a network of primary health services in regional and remote Australian communities. POC testing has lead to better control of STIs with improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and national adoption of the POC test in similar settings.
The overall goal of the program is to:
- Assist in the control of STIs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in rural and remote locations
- Build Aboriginal community-controlled sector capacity to deliver high quality STI testing services to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rural and remote areas
Specific program objectives:
- To provide access to quality and timely STI test results and improve timeliness of treatment
- To reduce the risk of onward transmission of and morbidity from STIs
- To provide timely data for clinical management and public health surveillance
- To offer accessible training to develop a competent, local molecular POC workforce.
- To ensure the system is acceptable, sustainable and cost effective
