A new e-learning course was launched early June to equip midwives with up-to-date knowledge on effectively communicating relevant and tailored information about syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Laura Aileone, Health New Zealand National Chief Midwife says this is an important initiative and education package for midwives across New Zealand, particularly with the role midwives have in the early detection and treatment of STIs to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

“Midwives are pivotal in the promotion of prevention measures through education and support for whānau. It is great to see the adoption of learning packages that have both clinically and culturally appropriate modules developed by the New Zealand College of Midwives in collaboration by Ngā Maia Trust Māori Midwives ō Aotearoa, Pasifika Midwives Aotearoa and sexual health clinical experts”.

Dr Rose Forster, Health New Zealand’s Clinical Advisor Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBI), says the e-learning modules support efforts to reduce STI-related pregnancy complications and should contribute to the elimination of congenital syphilis.

“I’m delighted that we now have this useful resource for midwives. We should not be seeing any cases of congenital syphilis in New Zealand, and these modules should help to achieve this goal”.

“Midwives play a vital role in early detection, treatment and in supporting improved outcomes for pēpi and their whānau” says Alison Eddy, CE of New Zealand College of Midwives.

“This eLearning package is a practical and timely resource that supports midwives to provide evidence informed and culturally safe care.  The College is proud to have collaborated with a range of experts to bring this eLearning to fruition.”

Since 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of infectious syphilis in New Zealand. In the 12 months up to December 2024 there were 774 cases. The number of women of reproductive age notified with infectious syphilis has nearly doubled from 61 in 2017 to 120 in 2024. In 2024, 30 of these women were pregnant.  

Untreated syphilis in pregnancy has a very high risk of leading to congenital syphilis. Complications of congenital syphilis include miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Liveborn babies with congenital syphilis may have significant health issues.

There have been 40 babies known to have congenital syphilis in 2017-2024, of which six were born in 2024. Congenital syphilis is preventable by early screening and treatment. 

This online learning course aims to provide education to midwives on the impact of syphilis and other STIs during pregnancy to increase detection, testing, treatment and prevention.

The e-learning initiative is a priority action from the National Syphilis Action Plan and is part of the STBBI Programme.

All midwives can access the online course here: eLearning - New Zealand College of Midwives - New Zealand College of Midwives (external link)