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 An Informal Consultative Meeting on Elimination of
Congenital Syphilis recommended launching the programme for elimination of
congenital syphilis in all countries of the Region by 2010 and achieving
elimination in all countries by 2020.
WHO/SEARO organized an Informal Consultative Meeting on
Elimination of Congenital Syphilis in the context of control of sexually
transmitted infections (STI) at SEARO, New
Delhi from 7 to 8 October 2008. The situation of maternal
and congenital syphilis in the selected countries of the Region was presented
and discussed. The global strategy for elimination of congenital syphilis was
introduced at the meeting.
The meeting made estimates of maternal and congenital
syphilis in the Region. Syphilis infection can be transmitted to the foetus across the placenta and can result into adverse
outcomes in up to 80% of cases. It was noted that simple and inexpensive
tests and drugs are available for diagnosis and treatment respectively. The
meeting agreed that elimination of congenital syphilis is technologically
feasible through screening of pregnant women for syphilis and treating
positive women, their partners and their newborn babies. The meeting called
upon the countries of the Region to launch the programme
for elimination of congenital syphilis. Reduction of maternal syphilis and
elimination of congenital syphilis will contribute to the achievement of
three of the Millenium Development Goals of
reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS,
malaria and other diseases.
The meeting
suggested the target of launching the programme for
elimination of congenital syphilis in all countries of the Region by 2010 and
achieving elimination in all countries by 2020. The meeting requested WHO to
provide technical support to the countries for the programme
and to form a Technical Working Group for reviewing and updating on technical
matters and for recommending the certification for elimination of congenital
syphilis. The meeting also called upon the countries to secure priority to
the elimination programme, allocate adequate
resources, train the staff, develop guidelines, ensure regular supply of
diagnostics and drugs, provide quality care, and establish a system for
surveillance, monitoring and evaluation.
Fact
Sheet [PDF 84 KB]
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