Communicable Disease Control Directorate Strategy 2023-2026

The Communicable Disease Control Directorate (CDCD) Strategy 2023-2026 (PDF 376KB) outlines CDCD’s core functions, priorities, and objectives to focus strategic changes for the next 3 years, with the aim to prevent, detect, control and reduce the impact of notifiable infectious diseases in Western Australia (WA).

As part of the Department of Health, CDCD has System Manager core functions, and in addition to the program-specific responsibilities below, provides advice to government, performs human biosecurity functions, contributes to the national communicable disease agenda, supports workforce capacity building and training, and plays a key role in public communications in relation to communicable diseases.


The CDCD is organised into four program areas:

Infection Prevention, Policy and Surveillance Unit

The Infection Prevention, Policy and Surveillance Unit (IPPSU) provides governance and expert advice and guidance to infection prevention and control (IPC) staff and stakeholders in hospitals and other health care services across WA. This includes providing surveillance definitions for, and governance over, the Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance Western Australia (HISWA) program; expert advice on IPC matters; IPC-related policy and guidelines, and governance of the WA hand hygiene program.

Immunisation Program

The Immunisation Program team strives to protect WA’s diverse community by providing leadership, supporting collaboration, and developing evidence-based strategies for immunisation.

Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program

The Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program uses a partnership approach to direct and coordinate the prevention and control of sexually transmissible infections and blood-borne viruses and minimise their social impact.  This involves co-design of statewide strategies and guidelines in partnership with affected communities, administration of the Needle and Syringe Program, workforce development, health promotion and community engagement.

Surveillance and Disease Control Program

The Surveillance and Disease Control Program oversees disease surveillance, control and transmission prevention in WA. Activities include managing the WA Notifiable Infectious Disease Database, developing state-wide disease control guidelines, processes and factsheets, and coordinating and supporting health regions in their public health responses, as required.

Data Systems and Support Program

The Data Systems and Support Program manages communicable infectious disease health-related information including design and maintenance of robust data systems to collect, store, aggregate, and update data to facilitate timely and accurate reporting.

More information

Communicable Disease Control Directorate
Address: 189 Royal Street
East Perth WA 6004
Phone: 9222 2131
Email: CDCD.directorate@health.wa.gov.au

Last reviewed: 15-03-2024
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Communicable Disease Control Directorate