Screening and Treatment of Syphilis for Pregnant Women - China, 2011-2018

What is already known on this topic?

The national program of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of syphilis was initiated in 2011 and scaled to a national level since 2015. A better understanding of the implementation and outcomes of the program on PMTCT of syphilis is needed for future strategies to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) goal of elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of syphilis.

What is added by this report.

Between 2011 and 2018, as the coverage of syphilis screening of pregnant women and treatment for syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and their infants have increased consistently, the incidence of congenital syphilis was significantly reduced from 91.6 cases per 100,000 live births to 18.4 cases per 100,000. Treatment rates and adequate treatment rates of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women were below the criteria of validation of EMTCT of syphilis and regional disparities were found.

What are the implications for public health practice?

We recommend continuing to strengthen the current PMTCT intervention strategies with further commitments to achieve the targets set by the WHO's dual EMTCT of HIV and syphilis. Barriers to achieving high coverage of adequate treatment should be investigated and addressed at the provincial level to ensure prompt treatment for syphilis-seropositive pregnant women.