Combatting congenital syphilis is key to improving maternal, newborn and child health.
Abstract
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. If left untreated it can lead to irreversible damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Syphilis can be transmitted to the unborn child via the placenta. Not all infants born to infected women will be infected but the risk of transmission is higher during the early stages of infection. Every year, at least half a million infants are born with congenital syphilis. This factsheet explains why urgent action in this area is necessary.
Citation
Realising Rights Factsheet No. 1. 2 pp.
Links
Published 1 January 2008