Syphilis cases have more than doubled in the past decade[i], yet many frontline healthcare workers still don’t see it as a common concern and lack confidence in discussing and testing for it. New research conducted by ASHM Health revealed that more than half (54%) of healthcare professionals (HCP) don’t feel confident about when to test or refer for syphilis, while only two in five (38%) HCPs believe it’s their responsibility to raise sexual health with patients.
The survey of over 800 Australian healthcare workers aimed to understand current awareness, attitudes and practices related to syphilis management within the Australian healthcare workforce. Across Australia syphilis notifications have continued to climb and has caused it to be declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).
Syphilis can lead to serious health complications when left untreated, and congenital syphilis can have devastating consequences for babies.[ii] In Australia, adults and infants are being severely impacted from untreated infections[ii] During pregnancy, congenital syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. Between 2016 and 2024, congenital syphilis resulted in 33 preventable infant deaths across the country.[i],
While many healthcare workers are equipped to test or refer for STIs (88%), just 21 per cent talk about sexual health with patients regularly. According to Melbourne GP and sexual health expert Dr George Forgan‑Smith, increasing the frequency of STI discussions is critical to stopping rising infections and avoiding preventable harm.
“We are seeing a significant rise in cases across all demographics. Testing is simple and vital. By normalising routine screening, and continuing to have regular conversations about sexual health our clients, we can stop the spread,” said Dr Forgan-Smith.
Syphilis is often referred to as ‘the great imitator’ as its diverse symptoms mimic many other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis. Further to this, nearly 50 per cent of infected individuals may have no symptoms and are only diagnosed through blood testing.
GP, Sexual Medicine & Therapy Consultant and sexual health researcher, Dr Karen Freilich, has said it’s vital HCPs are educating themselves on the guidelines and making sure blood testing for syphilis and HIV is a standard part of STI screening.
“In Australia, all asymptomatic STI screening should include a blood test for both syphilis and HIV. It’s an easy to test and easy to treat disease, but our research found that there are still knowledge gaps with Australian healthcare providers. Two thirds of the healthcare providers that were surveyed think that a syphilis test is part of a urine test, and that’s not correct,” said Dr Freilich
In response to these findings, ASHM is launching a National Syphilis Awareness Campaign to equip healthcare professionals with practical tools for early detection and testing. The campaign is working with doctors, nurses and community workers across Australia to help spread the message across the healthcare sector.
“We know knowledge gaps limit healthcare workers’ ability to identify risk and respond early. This is why ASHM Health is focused on rolling out targeted education to promote awareness and understanding related to syphilis, to ensure it’s on all healthcare professional’s radars and to ensure that we are doing everything we can to stop the spread,” said ASHM CEO, Alexis Apostolellis
For campaign resources, clinical guidance and to access the decision-making tool, visit: https://ashm.org.au/stopsyphilis/
References
[i] Kirby Institute. Syphilis | Data @ Kirby Institute. UNSW Sydney; 2024. Available from: https://www.data.kirby.unsw.edu.au/syphilis
[ii] Australian Centre for Disease Control. Syphilis: Current situation. Australian Government; 2025. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/syphilis [cdc.gov.au]
