Tis the Season for Surveillance: Understanding the Syphilis Outbreak

Presenter: Dr Kelly Hosking

Description:

This webinar will provide an overview of the syphilis outbreak in the Northern Territory and across Australia, examining epidemiology, affected populations and contributing factors. It will outline NT Health’s coordinated response through the Syphilis Incident Management Team (IMT), including strategies for prevention, testing, treatment and community engagement. A key focus will be preventing congenital syphilis through timely antenatal screening, early treatment and strengthened care pathways to protect mothers and babies. The session will also highlight collaboration with Aboriginal health services, public health campaigns and clinical interventions aimed at reducing transmission and improving health outcomes.

About the presenter:

Dr Kelly Hosking is the Director of Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses Strategy and Policy at NT Health, Co-Deputy Director of Viral Hepatitis Programs at the Menzies School of Health Research, and the Chief Health Officer–appointed Incident Commander for the Syphilis Outbreak Incident Management Team (IMT). Kelly is a registered nurse with extensive experience in Public Health practice, education, research and policy. She was previously an Infection Prevention and Control  Clinical Nurse Consultant for several years.