The Western Australia Aboriginal Sexual Health and Bloodborne Viruses Strategy 2019–2023 builds on the strengths and progress from our previous strategies, and is closely aligned to the Fifth National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bloodborne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2018-2022. This strategy outlines the guiding principles, goals, targets and priority areas needed for an effective, coordinated and comprehensive state-wide response to the impact of bloodborne viruses and sexually transmissible infections on Aboriginal people in Western Australia (WA).

Key Findings:

• Aboriginal people have the right to live without stigma and discrimination. It is vital to safeguard their human rights so as not to face stigma and discrimination based on their actual or perceived health status, cultural background, socio-economic status, age, sex, sexual or gender orientation or identity. They have the same rights to comprehensive and culturally secure information and health care as other members of the community, including the right to the confidential and sensitive handling of personal and medical information.
• Aboriginal people should be central to the sexual health and BBV response, and should have meaningful participation in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of effective programs and policies.
• Health and community care in WA should be accessible to all, based on need. The multiple dimensions of inequality should be addressed, whether related to gender, sexuality, disease status, drug use, occupation, socio-economic status, migration status, language, religion, culture or geographic location, including in custodial settings. Health and community services should be welcoming, and should work towards increasing access for Aboriginal people.