ACRRM is committed to supporting the National Syphilis Response. With syphilis rates rising across Australia, particularly in rural, remote, and First Nations communities, it is vital that Rural Generalists are equipped with the latest data, clinical guidelines, and culturally safe care pathways.
This page brings together authoritative resources from the National Syphilis Response team, the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, and ASHM to support you in the testing, treatment, and ongoing management of syphilis in your community.Resources
Clinical Guidelines
- Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care - The primary reference for testing and treating STIs in the Australian context.
- Decision Making in Doxy-PEP - ASHM tool for assessing patient eligibility for Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines (Syphilis Section) - Specific guidance for antenatal care providers regarding
screening and management.
- Syphilis – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units - Directives
for public health management and notification.
Educational Resources
- ACRRM STI and HIV Care online course - This course aims to build your confidence when faced with a variety of sexual health care scenarios.
- ASHM Syphilis Training and Resources - A dedicated learning hub for syphilis education.
- ASHM Resource Library - Searchable database of sexual health resources.
- Sexual History Taking – Resource Catalogue - Guides to assist in taking comprehensive and sensitive sexual health histories.
Government Documents
- National Syphilis Response Plan 2023-2030 - The strategic framework for eliminating congenital syphilis and controlling
the outbreak.
- Syphilis for Health Professionals (CDC) - Resources from the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control.
- AIHW Data on Antenatal Care - Latest statistics and reports on
antenatal visits and outcomes.
- Beforeplay – National STI Campaign - Consumer-facing campaign materials useful for patient education.
Research and Articles
- 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 for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Provider Acceptability at an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service: Mixed Methods Evaluation
- ABC News (June 2025): Home abortions and hiding pregnancy, research reveals hard realities for migrant workers