Guidance

Syphilis: Public Health England action plan

Addressing the increase in syphilis in England.

From:
Public Health England
Published
4 June 2019
Last updated
3 February 2021 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Syphilis: PHE action plan

Ref: PHE publications gateway number: GW-458

PDF, 579 KB, 22 pages

View online

Details

The Public Health England (PHE) action plan focuses on the main affected populations and is aimed at:

  • clinicians
  • public health specialists
  • specialty societies
  • commissioners of specialist sexual health services

A successful response to the current increase in syphilis incidence is dependent upon action that optimises 4 prevention pillars fundamental to syphilis control and prevention. These are:

  • increase testing frequency of high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) and re-testing of syphilis cases after treatment
  • deliver partner notification to British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) standards
  • maintain high antenatal screening coverage and vigilance for syphilis throughout antenatal care
  • sustain targeted health promotion

An update on the progress towards the Syphilis Action Plan prevention priorities is available in the Tracking the syphilis epidemic in England report.

Published 4 June 2019
Last updated 3 February 2021 + show all updates

  1. Added link to new 'Tracking the syphilis epidemic in England' report.

  2. First published.

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