Request number: RFP1091

About this opportunity

The Congenital Syphilis Prevention Program aims to build evidence from models of antenatal care, that increases syphilis testing and care in pregnancy to inform the ongoing national syphilis response.

WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) will commission existing community based antenatal care service provider/s to trial innovative or new models of care which will expand and enhance access to antenatal care that includes syphilis testing and treatment (including for partners) so that syphilis infections are diagnosed and treated, and syphilis is not passed on to the baby. The target cohort for the service is pregnant individuals who are experiencing complex social factors, have barriers to accessing care and/or who are at risk of not receiving antenatal care. These vulnerable populations may include:

• People experiencing domestic and family violence.
• People experiencing homelessness.
• Cultural and linguistically diverse populations including migrants and refugees.
• People affected by drug and alcohol use.
• People with a history of incarceration.

Providers are required to leverage existing organisations, workforce and services with experience working with the targeted vulnerable communities in the priority locations. Providers will be required to support patient engagement through activities such as provision of wrap around care, logistical support and outreach services. Potential providers that have partnerships through consortium applications or sub-contracting arrangements with relevant community-based organisations are encouraged to apply.

Services must be delivered within one or more of the following priority locations:

• Rockingham
• Mandurah
• Gosnells
• Armadale
• Canning
• Kwinana
• Belmont-Victoria Park
• Cockburn

This initiative forms a short-term program that is to be completed by 30 June 2027 and is part of the Australian Centre for Disease Control’s Outcome 1 – Health Protection and Preparedness; Program 1.1 – Analysing, Understanding, and Advising on Public Health Matters to Support Health Protection Planning, Preparedness and Response and contributes to national efforts to prevent congenital syphilis and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.