Syphilis Knowledge Hub

The story behind the response: what you need to know first

On 7 August 2025, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, declared syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS). This national declaration recognises the urgent need for a coordinated, strengthened response to curb the rise in infectious syphilis and prevent further cases of congenital syphilis- tragic outcomes that are largely preventable with timely testing, treatment, and follow-up care.

Working closely with the states and territories and other key stakeholders, the Australian Government will coordinate our response and continue our work on key actions in the National Syphilis Response Plan. APNA has met with the Chief Medical Officer, the National Syphilis Response Team, and other health sector representatives, to better understand and communicate the government's priorities under the National Syphilis Response Plan. 

The data

Across Australia, syphilis notifications have continued to climb, placing increased pressure on primary health care services and highlighting the vital role nurses play in early detection, patient education, culturally safe care, and continuity of treatment.

The data tells a deeply concerning story:

• 2023:
  • 6,566 cases of infectious syphilis – the highest annual number ever recorded
  • 20 cases of congenital syphilis, tragically resulting in 10 infant deaths
• 2024:
  • 5,968 cases of infectious syphilis
  • 10 congenital cases, with 4 infant deaths
• 2025 (as of 6 August):
  • 3,546 cases of infectious syphilis
  • 11 congenital cases, resulting in 4 infant deaths

These figures underline a critical and ongoing public health challenge. For nurses working in primary health care, community health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, sexual health, and hospital settings, access to accurate, up-to-date clinical information is essential.

Resources and contacts 

This resource hub has been developed to support you with the latest guidance, evidence-based practice tools, culturally safe care considerations, and practical strategies to help reduce transmission, support affected communities, and protect mothers and babies from preventable harm.

Clinical guidelines and protocols

• Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care - Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
• Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines - Australian Living Evidence Collaboration
• Fifth National STI Strategy 2024–2030 - Department of Health, Disability and Aging
• National Syphilis Response Plan 2023-2030 - Australian Centre for Disease Control
• Syphilis – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units - Communicable Diseases Network Australia, Australian Centre for Disease Control

Campaigns and public health initiatives

• Beforeplay – National STI Campaign - Department of Health, Disability and Aging
• Don’t fool around with syphilis campaign - Department of Health, Disability and Aging
• Get lucky get tested - Shine SA
• Healthysexual campaign - Department of Health, Western Australia
• Lady Peeps campaign – True QLD
• Let’s treat syphilis campaign – Queensland council for LGBTI Health
• National Syphilis Surveillance Report Q1 2025 - Department of Health, Disability and Aging
• National response to syphilis - Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Syphilis is on the move campaign – Sexual Health Quarters WA
• The Young Deadly Syphilis Free campaign – Young Deadly Free

Training and education

• ASHM Syphilis Learning Hub - Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
• Sexual History Taking – Resource Catalogue - Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
• Syphilis for Health Professionals - Australian Centre for Disease Control
• STIs and BBVs for Nurses and Midwives - Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)

Decision-making tools

• Decision Making in Syphilis Interactive Tool -  Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
• Decision Making in Doxy-PEP - Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)

Data and statistics

• Data on Antenatal Care - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

Research and articles

• ABC News (June 2025) – Home abortions and hiding pregnancy, research reveals hard realities for migrant workers
• Fairley et al. (2025) – Do Australian sexual health clinics have the capacity to meet demand?
• McCormack et al. (2023) – Exploring Whether the Electronic Optimization of Routine Health Assessments Can Increase Testing

Contacts

• National Syphilis Response - syphilisresponse@health.gov.au

Alternatively, you can find your state and terriorities health department details here.