Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global public health burden contributing to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and neurological complications. In the Cook Islands, the Ministry of Health reports high STI rates and changes in testing regimes, treatment protocols and surveillance systems. Emerging research on STIs like gonorrhoea has found growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to treatment, highlighting the importance of improving AMR stewardship and STI management. Across the Pacific, limited STI data and fragmented surveillance systems hinder effective infectious disease control.
This study will provide a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of STI trends in the Cook Islands. This study will review existing research, policies, and guidelines and analyse national surveillance data from 2005 to 2024 to identify STI rates, groups affected, and how well the Cook Islands' current STI testing, treatment and reporting systems align with international best practice. The findings will inform recommendations to improve STI surveillance and management.
>> PROJECT STARTED - 21st July 2025
Location: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
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