Australia sees over 50% surge in gonorrhoea and syphilis, sharp rise among women

The Kirby Institute’s latest sexual-health surveillance shows Australia has experienced a 57% increase in gonorrhoea and a 56% increase in infectious syphilis notifications over the past ten years, with 42,393 gonorrhoea and 5,986 syphilis cases recorded in 2025. Men represent the majority of cases—73% of gonorrhoea and 78% of syphilis—but syphilis among women rose sharply, up 167% compared with a 39% rise for men. This surge has driven a rise in pregnancy-related outcomes, including 113 congenital syphilis cases and 40 infant deaths, about half involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants.

Indigenous Australians face infection rates four to six times higher than non-Indigenous peers, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate services, especially in regional and remote areas. Epidemiologist Skye McGregor stresses the importance of expanding access to testing, treatment, and post-diagnosis care, and warns that reduced testing during the Covid-19 pandemic could undermine progress.