New model to tackle syphilis in NT, SA, WA

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in WA, SA and NT will have access to a new federal government program to tackle a syphilis outbreak.

Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt says syphilis is treatable but can be deadly. (AAP)

A $12.4 million "test and treat" model will be rolled out to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in northern, central and southern Australia to tackle a syphilis outbreak.

The model is phase three of a federal government program to run over four years to mid-2021.

It has been extended to 11 new Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The new phase allows for additional staff, staff training, medication and offers test kits for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt said syphilis was preventable and treatable but could be deadly without a diagnosis.

"We are making progress against this outbreak but it is shocking that it was allowed to become so entrenched in some first nations communities," he said.

The program will begin at the Mala'la Health Service in Maningrida and Western Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.

It will then be rolled out in the western, Eyre, far north and Adelaide regions of South Australia and the Pilbara and Western Kimberley regions of Western Australia.

Since the syphilis outbreak began in 2011, more than 2500 infectious and 15 congenital cases have been reported.