Strengthening Syphilis Awareness and Care in AOD Services

Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026

Time:
NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, TAS: 1:00pm-2:00pm (AEST)
SA & NT: 12:30pm-1:30pm (ACDT)
WA: 11:00am-12:00pm (AWST)

Audience: Clinical and non-clinical staff working across AOD care.

Presenters:
Bianca Davidde | GP and Addiction Medicine Specialist, SA Prison Health Service, Drug and Alcohol Services SA
Joël Murray | Policy and Evaluation Specialist, AIVL

Course description:
Syphilis rates have tripled in Australia over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, screening and early intervention across a range of health and community settings. People accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services often face additional barriers to care and are at increased risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including syphilis. Staff working in these settings are uniquely positioned to support timely access to testing, treatment, and care.

Presented by APSAD and ASHM, this free one-hour webinar is designed for both clinical and non-clinical staff working in AOD services. The session will explore the current syphilis landscape in Australia and key considerations for AOD settings, alongside practical insights, real-world examples, and peer perspectives to strengthen confidence in supporting people at higher risk to access sexual health care.

Learning outcomes:
On completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the current syphilis context, including current trends and concerns.
2. Recall priority populations for syphilis and related considerations relevant to AOD settings.
3. Recognise key signs and symptoms of syphilis.
4. Identify testing, referral, and follow-up considerations for syphilis and congenital syphilis.
5. Identify practical strategies, models of care and trauma-informed approaches to reduce barriers and support timely access to care.

ASHM is an RACGP-accredited CPD Provider under the RACGP CPD Program. This activity can be self-claimed for 1 EA hour.

A statement of attendance will be provided for full attendees.