The Problem

Syphilis remains a grave public health concern worldwide, with over 340 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections reported annually. Among these cases, syphilis stands out as a significant cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes globally. Each year, it is estimated that up to 1.5 million perinatal deaths occur due to syphilis, surpassing the mortality associated with HIV or malaria.

India, in particular, faces a significant burden of syphilis, with approximately 2.5 million people affected each year. This high prevalence contributes to devastating consequences, especially among pregnant women and their unborn children. Tragically, an estimated 150,000 stillbirths and neonatal deaths annually in India can be attributed to syphilis infections during pregnancy, surpassing the impact of other well-known diseases.

Moreover, the impact of inadequate syphilis testing extends beyond the affected individuals. Congenital syphilis, transmitted from infected mothers to their unborn children, leads to severe complications, including low birth weight, prematurity, stillbirths, and lifelong disabilities. This not only profoundly affects the health and well-being of the affected children but also places a significant burden on healthcare systems and society as a whole. Preventing congenital syphilis through timely and accessible testing is crucial to ensure healthy outcomes for both mothers and their children.