Global Strategy for Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a strategic goal to eliminate the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. A key requirement for success is expanding access to early, high-quality screening at the primary healthcare level and as a standard part of antenatal care (ANC).
The Burden of Maternal and Perinatal Health
WHO estimates that annually, 1.3 to 1.4 million women living with HIV become pregnant, while approximately 1 million pregnant women are infected with syphilis. These dual infections are major contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Syphilis and Perinatal Outcomes
Syphilis remains the second leading cause of stillbirth globally. Each year, more than 700,000 cases of congenital syphilis are reported, resulting in over 350,000 adverse birth outcomes, including more than 200,000 stillbirths and neonatal deaths.