NHMRC Partnership Project Success: Innovative approaches to testing and control of syphilis

^{(L to R A/Prof Jason Ong, Prof. Marcus Chen)}

A/Prof Jason Ong, honorary staff member at Health Economics Unit, along with colleagues at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Monash University and the University of Melbourne were successful in an NHMRC Partnership Project ($1.25 million) focused on improving the control of syphilis. This grant is led by Prof. Marcus Chen from Monash University. The grant will investigate novel methods for improving syphilis testing including methods for improving syphilis testing in antenatal services and general practice. Improved screening in antenatal services is needed to combat the rise in syphilis among pregnant women and congenital infections. The grant will also investigate the use of genomics to improve tracking and targeting of syphilis outbreaks. Jason will lead the economic evaluation of these novel methods in controlling syphilis.