Syphilis, a bacterial, sexually transmitted infection, is a preventable and curable disease, but cases have escalated globally by over 1 million in 2022, reaching a total of 8 million. The Americas currently face the highest incidence worldwide, with 3.37 million cases (or 6.5 cases per 1000 people), accounting for 42% of all new cases.

The rise in syphilis infections can be attributed to several factors, including insufficient awareness about the disease, disparities in access to healthcare services and in diagnostics and treatment, and the persistent stigma around sexually transmitted diseases, which may deter individuals from seeking medical assistance.

“Eliminating syphilis and congenital syphilis is achievable, but it demands a comprehensive approach that addresses the high prevalence of syphilis among the general population, protecting everyone,” PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said. “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 issues, including brain and cardiovascular diseases. Many people with syphilis do not have symptoms or do not notice them. Rapid screening tests enable prompt treatment. Correct and consistent use of condoms during sex can prevent syphilis.

Syphilis can also be transmitted during pregnancy, leading to severe complications such as miscarriage, fetal death, premature delivery, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, lesions in organs such as the liver, spleen and bones, as well as neurological damage.

The report released this week by WHO also highlights a rise in cases among pregnant women. In the region, the percentage of pregnant women with syphilis increased by 28% in the past two years.

This trend has translated into an increase in congenital syphilis, reaching an estimated 4.98 cases per 1,000 live births in 2022, significantly surpassing the WHO target of 0.5 cases per 1000 live births. That year an estimated 68,000 babies were born with syphilis in the region.

“We must bolster prenatal care services to ensure universal syphilis testing for every pregnant woman and prompt adequate treatment for those testing positive, and their sexual partners to achieve the elimination of congenital syphilis by 2030,” Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri, Director of PAHO’s Department for the Prevention, Control and Elimination of Communicable Diseases, said.

PAHO recommends that countries continue to raise public awareness of syphilis, including its transmission routes and preventive measures. This entails offering rapid tests for early diagnosis and ensuring timely and appropriate treatment with penicillin to effectively cure the infection, thus averting disease transmission and potential complications.

PAHO works with countries in the Americas to strengthen surveillance and build capacity among health care workers in the areas of prenatal care services for syphilis and congenital syphilis. The Organization also engages with communities and civil society to raise awareness and advocacy for the elimination of these conditions. Both syphilis and congenital syphilis are included in PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, targeting the elimination of 30 diseases and conditions by 2030.

Regionally, WHO has certified 11 countries and territories for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis since 2015.