The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) acknowledges today’s announcement by Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, declaring syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance. This recognises the increasing number of cases across Australia and will bring together key stakeholders including ACM and states and territories for a coordinated national response.
Midwives provide continuity of care for women and babies including essential sexual and reproductive healthcare. Midwives are well positioned to support people diagnosed with syphilis. They play a key role in early detection, education and treatment, particularly during pregnancy. The devastating outcomes of congenital syphilis, including neonatal and infant death, are preventable when detected and treated early.
ACM has requested that Bicillin, the recommended treatment for syphilis for pregnant women, be added to the list of PBS medications that endorsed midwives can prescribe. This would allow midwives to offer timely treatment in the communities they serve and reduce unnecessary delays in care.
“Midwives are trusted health professionals who are already providing pregnancy and sexual and reproductive healthcare in the communities most affected by this syphilis outbreak,” said Alison Weatherstone, Chief Midwife of the Australian College of Midwives. “Midwives will work with jurisdictions, ACCHOs and other health services to ensure pregnant women have early detection and access to syphilis treatment. ACM is seeking PBS access for endorsed midwives for Bicillin to ensure that women with an endorsed midwife as their primary carer can have immediate access to treatment.
ACM supports the national response and is committed to working with health departments and service providers to make sure midwives can contribute fully to this important public health effort.
For the CMO statement, click here: https://www.health.gov.au/news/cmo-statement-syphilis-cdins