New WHO report reveals 30% surge in syphilis cases across the Caribbean and Americas

A recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) shed light on a concerning trend: a 30% increase in new syphilis cases among adults aged 15-49 years between 2020 and 2022 in the Caribbean and the rest of the Americas.

Titled ‘Implementing the global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022–2030’, the report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address this spike.

Syphilis, a bacterial sexually transmitted infection, remains preventable and curable. However, global cases soared by over 1 million in 2022 alone, reaching a staggering 8 million.

The Americas now confront the highest incidence worldwide, with 3.37 million cases, equating to 6.5 cases per 1000 people and comprising 42% of all new cases.

Several factors contribute to this rise, including inadequate awareness, disparities in healthcare access, diagnostics, and treatment, as well as persistent stigma surrounding sexually transmitted diseases, deterring individuals from seeking medical aid.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasizes the achievable goal of eliminating syphilis and congenital syphilis through a holistic approach. “Countries must reaffirm their political commitment and accelerate efforts to end this preventable and curable disease,” he asserts.

Untreated syphilis poses serious health risks, including neurological and cardiovascular complications. Due to asymptomatic presentations, rapid screening tests are pivotal for timely treatment. Consistent condom use during sex is advocated for prevention.

Syphilis transmission during pregnancy leads to severe consequences such as miscarriage, foetal death, and congenital anomalies. Alarmingly, the report unveils a 28% increase in syphilis cases among pregnant women, resulting in a surge in congenital syphilis, surpassing WHO’s target.

Dr. Sylvain Aldighieri, Director of PAHO’s Department for the Prevention, Control, and Elimination of Communicable Diseases, stresses the imperative of universal syphilis testing during prenatal care. “Prompt adequate treatment for positive cases and their partners is crucial to achieve the elimination of congenital syphilis by 2030,” he affirms.

PAHO recommends heightened public awareness, early diagnosis through rapid tests, and timely treatment with penicillin to curb transmission and complications. Strengthening surveillance and bolstering capacity among healthcare workers are pivotal strategies in this endeavour.

It collaborates with regional countries to fortify prenatal care services and engage communities in advocacy efforts. Syphilis elimination stands as a core component of PAHO’s broader initiative targeting 30 diseases and conditions by 2030.

Since 2015, WHO has certified 11 countries and territories in the region for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis, highlighting progress amidst ongoing challenges.