Towards the Elimination of Congenital Syphilis in Australia: Building Consensus for Priority Actions Roundtable Report
Details
Overview
On 15 May 2024, ASHM and the Department of Health and Aged Care, guided by a steering committee of relevant experts, convened a national roundtable to address congenital syphilis in Australia.
Sector partners at the roundtable called for immediate action to be taken to address infectious syphilis, in particular, congenital syphilis. Participants stressed that the response needs to be equity driven, and committed to stepping up efforts to ensure that the associated underlying inequities and structural determinants of health are addressed.
The roundtable sought to deepen an understanding of:
- Gaps in awareness, training, and support for the health workforce relating to syphilis, with a focus on preventing congenital syphilis
- Barriers impacting access to care and treatment for pregnant people with syphilis
- Resourcing needs for the health workforce relating to congenital syphilis
- Actions needed to strengthen the health workforce and health system to address congenital syphilis in Australia.
Outcomes
The key areas of focus identified during the roundtable were the need to:
- Enhance access to health services and remove barriers to timely and appropriate care to prevent congenital syphilis for all pregnant people
- Invest in, support and strengthen the health workforce to effectively prevent and respond to congenital syphilis
- Cultivate alignment and ensure that systems are supporting the elimination of congenital syphilis.
Download the full report
Download the full report using the link below.
ASHM appreciates the contributions of all participants at the roundtable, whose views and presentations have informed the recommended actions in this report. Sector partners have confirmed their commitment to making the elimination of congenital syphilis a key priority.
More about congenital syphilis
Earlier this year, Professor Paul Kelly, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, called for the health sector to play their part in the fight against congenital syphilis in Australia.
Syphilis cases are on the rise in Australia, including among young people of reproductive age. As a result, we’re seeing the re-emergence of congenital syphilis, when the infection is transmitted during pregnancy. This can have devastating health consequences for newborn babies, including death.
Congenital syphilis is also entirely preventable. We must ensure everyone is tested for syphilis during pregnancy. All pregnant people should be tested at least once, and in many cases more. Check your state and territory guidelines for details on additional testing. Once diagnosed, treatment is simple and effective. As cases rise, it is our responsibility as health professionals to learn more about syphilis testing and management. ASHM now has a range of resources, guidelines and training at ASHM.org.au/syphilis to support you to play your part in the fight against congenital syphilis. A resource I especially want to draw your attention to is ASHM’s online Syphilis Decision Making Tool. It’s a simple, comprehensive, and easy to follow guide to syphilis treatment in common clinical scenarios that can help you decide the best treatment for your patient. I’ve used it to make sure that I’m up to date. Why don’t you? Together, we can prevent the needless deaths of any more newborn babies from congenital syphilis. And I thank you for your assistance.Healthcare professionals can access clinical resources and training on congenital syphilis using the ASHM Syphilis Hub.
Antenatal Syphilis Train the Trainer Program – Expression of Interest
NSW Introduction to Syphilis for Midwives and Clinicians Providing Antenatal Care
BBVs and STIs in Antenatal Care
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