Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, has declared syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS), underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated national response to combat the disease’s alarming spread. The announcement, made at the Australasian Sexual and Reproductive Health Conference, highlights the growing concern over syphilis, particularly its impact on vulnerable communities.
The declaration marks only the fourth time in recent years that a CDINS has been announced, following similar actions for COVID-19, Japanese encephalitis, and mpox. The decision reflects the pressing need for national policy, interventions, and public messaging to address the syphilis outbreak, which has seen a consistent rise in cases over the past decade.
Rising Syphilis Cases and Impact
Since 2011, syphilis cases in Australia have increased by an average of 13% annually. In 2023, the country recorded over 6,500 cases, a record high, with 2024 figures already surpassing 4,000 notifications as of September. The surge in cases has led to devastating outcomes, including 41 cases of congenital syphilis since 2023, resulting in the deaths of 18 babies.
“That is 18 tragic deaths, 18 families in mourning, for deaths that were preventable,” Professor Kidd stated, emphasizing the disease’s preventability and the necessity for early treatment.
Challenges in Addressing the Outbreak
The syphilis outbreak has disproportionately affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Professor Kidd acknowledged that current efforts have fallen short, particularly in overcoming barriers to antenatal care and syphilis screening for at-risk women.
By declaring syphilis a CDINS, the Australian government aims to prioritize public health efforts and enable all partners involved in health interventions to enhance their strategies. The declaration also facilitates addressing broader health determinants, such as domestic violence and housing insecurity, which contribute to the outbreak’s complexity.
National Syphilis Response Plan
The Australian Health Protection Committee has outlined a comprehensive National Syphilis Response Plan, featuring new goals and 34 priority actions. These actions focus on testing, treatment, partner notification, prevention, education, and workforce support.
The plan emphasizes the importance of data collection and evaluation to build a robust evidence base, ensuring that efforts are effective and impactful. Regular reviews and revisions of goals and actions will ensure that attention remains focused on the most critical areas.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
Professor Kidd stressed the importance of collaboration across the health sector, involving professional colleges, sector peak bodies, and community groups. He announced plans for focused meetings to raise awareness and improve response strategies.
Health workers, including midwives, general practitioners, and sexual health clinicians, play a crucial role in tackling the syphilis epidemic. The government has invested in workforce initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and training programs, to equip health professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills.
“We’re funding ASHM to run an awareness campaign for the health workforce, and to provide training and education,” Professor Kidd noted, highlighting efforts to prepare the workforce for effective syphilis management.
Public Awareness and Primary Care Reform
The Australian government continues to invest in public awareness campaigns, such as the ‘Young Deadly Free’ initiative, which provides culturally appropriate resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These campaigns aim to encourage sexual health checks and reduce stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections.
Additionally, the government is exploring primary care reform options, with a focus on improving access to care and addressing sexually transmissible infections, including syphilis. The reform agenda will incorporate recommendations from recent reviews of primary care programs.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As Australia confronts the syphilis crisis, the declaration of a CDINS serves as a clarion call for unified action. Professor Kidd emphasized the need for a sustained, collaborative effort to halt the spread of syphilis and prevent further tragic outcomes.
“Community groups, peak bodies, health professionals, and governments all have invaluable experience, knowledge, and tools,” he stated. “Combining and coordinating these will be incredibly powerful, helping us maintain momentum over the next few years.”
With syphilis now a national health priority, Australia is poised to implement comprehensive strategies to protect its most vulnerable populations and ensure a healthier future for all.
