Stopping Syphilis: The Top 10 List for Moving Forward

The final webinar in the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy’s summer seminar series on syphilis is now available to watch on YouTube. This seminar, titled “Stopping Syphilis: the HHS Summer Series-The Top 10 List for Moving ForwardExit Disclaimer,” looks back on what has been learned in the year since the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Task Force was established and reflects on how to build on the task force’s progress to overcome this syndemic.

In this seminar, representatives from the task force review the top 10 things they’ve learned doing this work over the past year and how they can build on this progress going forward, including the need to maintain a persistent focus on equity. This seminar provides a valuable opportunity to learn about the efforts and accomplishments of the task force, including advances in research, education, treatment, and prevention as well as strategies to promote equity, collaboration, and community partnerships.

The National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force was launched in 2023 in response to the surging number of syphilis and congenital syphilis cases nationwide. Their efforts have included expanding access to syphilis testing and treatment, enhancing data collection and heightening surveillance, increasing awareness and education among provider groups, and engaging communities and health departments.

Watch the final seminarExit Disclaimer, and view all videos from "Stopping Syphilis: the HHS Summer Seminar Series."Exit Disclaimer

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently shared a summary of the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Federal Task Force’s work during the past year. These efforts are focused on quickly and strategically reducing rates of primary and secondary syphilis and congenital syphilis in our country. Read more about the task force’s achievements during its first year.

Additionally, CDC recently released Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance, 2023, which includes data that show the STI epidemic may be slowing. The report showed an increase in syphilis of only one percent, after years of double-digit increases.