What We Do
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. New cases of syphilis are on the rise between 2022 and 2024, particularly among women aged 50 and older and those aged 15 to 25. Unfortunately, while these infections do not always cause visible symptoms in the person affected, they can have serious consequences, such as an increased risk of HIV infection, as well as eye, neurological, cardiac, and liver damage... However, 6,500 people were diagnosed and treated for syphilis in the private sector in France in 2024.
To be effective and help reduce the incidence of HIV and other STIs, prevention must rely on a combination of various prevention tools: condom use, repeated and regular testing for HIV and other STIs such as syphilis, and appropriate treatment. Particular attention must be paid to the issue of testing in order to reduce the time between infection and diagnosis and ensure early initiation of treatment.
The challenge for Santé publique France is to successfully support and implement this new preventive standard among priority populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly young MSM. Epidemiological surveillance and a better understanding of target populations and their environments enable Santé publique France to tailor prevention campaigns for them as effectively as possible.
Epidemiological surveillance of syphilis
Surveillance carried out through several complementary measures
Syphilis surveillance relies on several mechanisms.
SurCEGIDD Surveillance: All CeGIDDs are legally required to participate in this surveillance, which covers screening and diagnosis of HIV infection, viral hepatitis, syphilis, infections with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium, genital warts, and genital herpes (individual sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and biological data); the required data format is available on the Santé publique France website.
Data from the National Health Data System (SNDS): Health insurance reimbursement data enable the monitoring of syphilis screening activity conducted in private and public laboratories (excluding public sector hospitalizations). They also enable the monitoring of syphilis diagnoses.
If you wish to participate in STI surveillance, contact Santé publique France (SurveillanceIST@santepubliquefrance.fr). This surveillance work is carried out in close collaboration with the National Reference Center for Bacterial STIs.
Measuring Changes in Prevention Behaviors
In addition to epidemiological surveillance of HIV, Santé publique France conducts several surveys among the general population and specific groups. These surveys serve as decision-making tools for public health policy.
Learn more: sexual health section
Prevention initiatives against syphilis
Santé publique France develops social marketing initiatives tailored to different priority populations: the general public, young people, men who have sex with men (MSM), and migrants. The goal of this approach is to change behaviors and help the public adopt habits and attitudes that promote sexual health.
Learn more on our prevention websites:
In relation to
Hepatitis B and D
thematic dossier
Viral liver infections can be very severe; hepatitis B and D are transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and from mother to fetus. Vaccination and screening are the cornerstones of prevention.
Sexual health
thematic dossier
Santé publique France focuses in particular on four areas of sexual health: sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; contraception; combating discrimination; and violence.
HIV/AIDS
thematic dossier
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a sexually transmitted human retrovirus. It weakens the immune system, and if left untreated, leads to AIDS.
