In Australia, contact tracing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is considered a crucial public health strategy to prevent further spread. For infections such as HIV, syphilis (especially during pregnancy), gonorrhoea, and chlamydia, it is recommended that individuals notify any sexual partners who may have been exposed, so they can seek testing and treatment.
Depending on the type of infection, contact tracing may extend over varying time frames. For example, in cases of chlamydia, sexual partners from the past 6 months may need to be notified, while some forms of syphilis may require notification of partners from an even longer period.
However, informing former partners about a possible STI can be emotionally challenging or uncomfortable. To support individuals and healthcare professionals in this process, several free, trustworthy services are available to help notify partners anonymously and safely:
1. Let Them Know
A nationwide anonymous notification service. Messages can be sent via SMS or email.
2. Better to Know
An anonymous notification service designed especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
3. The Drama Downunder
An anonymous partner notification service developed by Thorne Harbour Health and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.
4. StigmaHealth (AnonSMS)
An online tool that allows anonymous SMS notifications to sexual partners, discreetly and privately.
5. State and Territory-Based Contact Tracing Teams
For complex cases or when public health support is needed, you can contact the following specialized teams:
- ACT: Canberra Sexual Health Clinic – (02) 6244 2184
- NSW: NSW Sexual Health Infolink – 1800 451 624 / (02) 9382 7681
- QLD: HIV Public Health Team – (07) 3328 9797
- NT: Clinic 34 – (08) 8999 2678
- SA: Clinic 275 – (08) 8222 2523
- TAS: TAS Health – (03) 6166 0655
- VIC: Partner Notification Support Unit – (03) 9096 3367
- WA: Partner Notification Officers – (08) 9222 8549 / 8577
References:
- Australasian Contact Tracing Guidelines – ASHM
🔗 https://contacttracing.ashm.org.au/ - Australian STI Management Guidelines – Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
🔗 https://sti.guidelines.org.au/ - Let Them Know – Anonymous partner notification tool
🔗 https://letthemknow.org.au/ - Better to Know – STI info and contact tracing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
🔗 https://www.bettertoknow.org.au/ - The Drama Downunder – Anonymous notification service by Thorne Harbour Health
🔗 https://www.thedramadownunder.info/ - StigmaHealth (AnonSMS) – Anonymous SMS Notification Tool
🔗 https://anonsms.com/ - Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
🔗 https://www.mshc.org.au/
