Cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea have doubled in Australia in the past decade, according to the latest data.
The data, provided by the Kirby Institute at the University of NSW, uncovered that in 2024, there were 5866 syphilis diagnoses across the country, along with 44,210 diagnoses of gonorrhoea.
Congenital syphilis, a condition where the disease is transmitted from a pregnant mother to her infant, has more than doubled since 2015, resulting in 34 infant deaths over the past decade.
STI rates continue to be higher among Indigenous Australians, with the incidence of chlamydia being more than double, gonorrhoea nearly four times, and syphilis over five times that of non-Indigenous Australians.
“These disparities are even more pronounced in regional and remote areas,” stated Robert Monaghan, a Bundjalung-Gumaynggir man and manager of the Yandamanjang First Nations Health Research Program at the Kirby Institute.
“What’s needed now is real investment in culturally safe, community-driven health promotion, testing and treatment.
“Declaring syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance is an important step.
“Sustainable change depends on culturally safe, community-led action.”
Men are also overrepresented in STI numbers, accounting for eight out of 10 syphilis diagnoses, and seven out of 10 gonorrhoea diagnoses.
But syphilis infections are increasing faster for women, quadrupling across the decade.
“It’s crucial for all sexually active individuals to discuss sexual health with their partners, engage in safe sex practices, undergo regular STI testing, and consult their healthcare providers regarding their sexual health,” McGregor emphasized.
