Gonorrhoea and syphilis rise by more than 50% in Australia with ‘concerning’ rise in cases in women

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Australia experienced more than a 50% increase in reported cases of gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis in 2025 compared to a decade earlier, with a particularly sharp rise in syphilis among women indicating growing heterosexual transmission. This surge poses serious public health risks, especially for pregnant women and Indigenous communities who face disproportionately high infection rates, highlighting the urgent need for improved testing, treatment, and culturally appropriate interventions.

Australia has seen a significant increase in reported cases of gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis over the past decade, with new data revealing more than a 50% rise in notifications for both infections in 2025. According to recent figures from the University of New South Wales’ Kirby Institute, 42,393 cases of gonorrhoea and 5,986 cases of infectious syphilis were recorded nationwide last year, representing increases of 57% and 56% respectively compared to ten years earlier.

While men continued to account for the majority of infections—making up 73% of gonorrhoea and 78% of syphilis cases—the data highlighted a particularly troubling surge in syphilis among women. Notifications of syphilis in women rose by 167%, compared with a 39% increase in men, suggesting a growing trend of heterosexual transmission.

Dr. Skye McGregor, an epidemiologist at the Kirby Institute, described this rise as an urgent public health concern, especially due to the severe consequences of syphilis in pregnancy. Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital syphilis, and infant mortality. Between 2015 and 2025, there were 113 reported cases of congenital syphilis in Australia, with 40 resulting in infant deaths. Approximately half of these cases involved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to experience disproportionately high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous Australians are diagnosed with gonorrhoea at more than four times, and syphilis at over six times, the national rate. McGregor emphasized that addressing these disparities requires sustained investment in culturally safe sexual health services, particularly in regional and remote areas where access to timely testing and treatment remains a challenge.

Social determinants such as income, education, employment, and food security also contribute to ongoing inequalities in STI rates. McGregor credited community-led initiatives, with support from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and government programs, for helping to mitigate what could have been even higher levels of infection.

The report also raised concerns about potential declines in screening following the COVID-19 pandemic, noting a temporary drop in testing during that period. McGregor urged a return to pre-pandemic testing rates to ensure early detection, treatment, and prevention of further transmission.

A 2019 national survey found that nearly two-thirds of young Australians with multiple casual partners did not consistently use condoms, underscoring the need for comprehensive prevention strategies. McGregor emphasized that condom use remains important but should be complemented by regular testing, timely treatment, and ongoing engagement with healthcare providers to reduce infection rates and prevent repeat infections.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.