UKHSA Syphilis Response Plan

The UKHSA Syphilis Response Plan sets out UKHAS's organisational response to syphilis to limit adverse health outcomes, reduce the incidence and address inequalities associated with syphilis. The plan is aimed at those involved in syphilis control across public health:

• clinicians in both sexual health services (SHSs) and other NHS services
• public health specialists
• specialty societies
• commissioners of specialist SHSs
• academia
• voluntary and community sector

To halt the rise in syphilis cases, UKHSA have identified areas for action across 4 interconnected pillars. These are: 

• Pillar 1. Prevent: Reduce transmission, reduce inequalities, increase awareness
• Pillar 2. Test: Optimise testing and reduce missed opportunities for diagnosis
• Pillar 3. Treat: Optimise care pathways
• Pillar 4. Eliminate: Congenital syphilis

An update on the epidemiology of syphilis is available in the Tracking the syphilis epidemic in England report.