Syphilis rise among pregnant women

A concerning spike in syphilis infections among pregnant women has been revealed by Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh, a prominent obstetrician and gynaecologist, during a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) event. The ceremony, held at the Health Ministry’s headquarters in Port of Spain on November 18, marked the handover of telehealth kits and computers to support efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of diseases. Dr. Sirjusingh highlighted that the number of cases has surged dramatically, with nearly 200 cases reported this year compared to the usual 30 to 40 cases annually. The ministry is now investigating the underlying causes of this resurgence and implementing strategies to enhance treatment and reduce transmission. Dr. Sirjusingh emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment with penicillin, which can effectively prevent complications if administered at least six weeks before delivery. He urged pregnant women to seek early antenatal care to ensure timely testing and treatment. Syphilis, often asymptomatic in women, can lead to severe outcomes such as miscarriage, foetal death, and long-term developmental issues in infants. While maternal HIV cases have declined due to robust healthcare programmes, the rise in syphilis cases, including among children, remains a pressing concern. PAHO initiatives are ongoing to validate progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission, but the increasing number of detected cases underscores the need for heightened public health efforts.