Staff of the Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research undertake research into the prevalence, transmission and impact of serious infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and Chlamydia. Marginalised population groups (such as people who inject illicit drugs, prison inmates and culturally and linguistically diverse communities) are a particular focus. CEPHR staff work closely with colleagues from the Centre for Harm Reduction, who conduct research and design initiatives aimed at reducing HIV transmission and other drug-related harm, principally in Asia.

In recent years, CEPHR staff have successfully carried out a diverse range of projects designed to generate information for use in improving public health, including:

  • estimating Chlamydia prevalence and identifying the associated risk factors in Victorian women
  • a study of Hepatitis C virus exposure among Victorian prison inmates
  • a review of New Zealand's Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme
  • a survey of sexual risk behaviour and drug use by young people attending Melbourne's Big Day Out
  • an investigation of hepatitis C in commercial body piercing establishments in Victoria.

CEPHR is also responsible for maintaining the HIV/AIDS surveillance database for the Department of Human Services, Victoria.

Aims

Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research (CEPHR) undertakes research into the prevalence, transmission and impact of serious infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and Chlamydia. Marginalised population groups (such as people who inject illicit drugs, prison inmates and culturally and linguistically diverse communities) are a particular focus.