The Global Crisis of Congenital Syphilis: Vulnerable and Disenfranchised Women Most at Risk

Abstract

: Congenital syphilis (CS), previously considered by many paediatricians as a “historical disease”, has re-emerged as a significant preventable neonatal infection. While low-income countries have the highest burden of disease globally, notifications have increased in many high-income countries (HIC) in recent years. This literature report provides an overview of the current strategies for testing and treating syphilis in pregnancy (SIP) and CS and describes the changing global epidemiology of SIP. National SIP guidelines are reviewed with reference to testing in pregnancy and treatment of CS. The report highlights that there is an ongoing crisis of CS in HICs worldwide and a disproportionate burden is being experienced by vulnerable populations in these countries. Action is needed to address this crisis, and interventions aimed at overcoming social and structural barriers to antenatal care access for vulnerable populations should be prioritised.