Three Aboriginal children have died from congenital syphilis and there have been 167 new cases in north Queensland since 2015, prompting a $15.7 million plan to fight sexually transmitted diseases in the north of the state.

Congenital syphilis occurs when an infected pregnant woman passes the disease to her baby in the womb and the baby is born infected.

Health Minister Cameron Dick announces the north Queensland syphilis strategy he promised before Christmas. Credit:Tony Moore

The Aboriginal children died when they did not receive adequate, timely healthcare.

Syphilis can be treated with penicillin, especially if administered early.