The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has developed guidance to support healthcare professionals working in settings and contexts where traditional healthcare services may not adequately meet the needs of some groups, with the aim of expediting the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis.

This guidance is intended for healthcare professionals working in settings such as prisons, mobile clinics, street-based services and asylum accommodation, where access to specialist sexual health services may be limited or less effective for certain populations.

The guidance draws on the best available evidence to support the timely diagnosis and treatment of syphilis, while reducing the risk of individuals being lost to follow-up and ensuring that clinical need remains central to decision-making. It should be used alongside other relevant evidence-based sexual health guidelines and setting-specific service specifications.