Washington, DC, May 22, 2024 (PAHO) – New cases of syphilis among adults aged 15 to 49 increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022 in the Americas, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). ). YoImplementation of global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022-2030.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, is a preventable and curable disease, but cases have increased globally by more than 1 million in 2022, reaching a total of 8 million. Currently, the Americas face the highest incidence in the world, with 3.37 million cases (or 6.5 cases per 1,000 people), representing 42% of all new cases.
The rise in syphilis infections can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of awareness about the disease, disparities in access to health services and in diagnosis and treatment, and persistent stigma around transmitted diseases. sexual activity, which may discourage people from seeking medical care.
“Eliminating syphilis and congenital syphilis is possible, but requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the high prevalence of syphilis among the general population, protecting everyone,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. «Countries must reaffirm their political commitment and accelerate efforts to end this preventable and curable disease,» he added.
If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems, including brain and cardiovascular diseases. Many people with syphilis have no symptoms or do not notice them. Rapid screening tests allow for rapid treatment. Correct and consistent use of condoms during sexual relations can prevent syphilis.
Syphilis can also be transmitted during pregnancy, causing serious complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, damage to organs such as the liver, spleen and bones, as well as neurological damage.
The report published this week by the WHO also highlights an increase in cases among pregnant women. In the region, the percentage of pregnant women with syphilis increased by 28% in the last two years.
This trend has resulted in an increase in congenital syphilis, which will reach an estimated 4.98 cases per 1,000 live births in 2022, significantly exceeding the WHO target of 0.5 cases per 1,000 live births. That year, it is estimated that some 68,000 babies were born with syphilis in the region.
«We must strengthen prenatal care services to ensure universal syphilis testing for all pregnant women and provide appropriate treatment to those who test positive and their sexual partners to achieve the elimination of congenital syphilis by 2030,» said Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri, Director of the PAHO Department of Health. Prevention, Control and Elimination of Communicable Diseases, he stated.
PAHO recommends that countries continue to raise public awareness about syphilis, including its transmission routes and preventive measures. This involves offering rapid tests for early diagnosis and ensuring timely and adequate treatment with penicillin to effectively cure the infection, thus avoiding the transmission of the disease and possible complications.
PAHO works with countries in the Americas to strengthen surveillance and build capacity among health workers in the areas of prenatal care services for syphilis and congenital syphilis. The Organization also collaborates with communities and civil society to raise awareness and promote the elimination of these conditions. Both syphilis and congenital syphilis are included in the PAHO Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate 30 diseases and conditions by 2030.
At the regional level, WHO has certified 11 countries and territories for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis since 2015.
Note to the editor
The report Implementation of global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022-2030 will be discussed at the 77th World Health Assembly, which will be held from May 27 to June 1, 2024 in Geneva (Switzerland).
