Endemic treponematoses in the Sudan

Sudan is surrounded by eight countries and has marked movement of population across its borders. At one time yaws and syphilis were important public health problems in the Sudan. Following the wide use of penicillin, both diseases were much reduced in prevalence and were no longer public health problems. However, the extensive population movement and particularly the huge influx of refugees across the border pose important potential hazards. The rapid urbanization and the social and cultural changes that followed economic development affected family ties and community behavior and resulted in a marked increase in the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis. It is difficult to know the true magnitude of the problem because of the poor health information system and coverage. Improvement of the surveillance system is urgently needed, and more attention needs to be paid to treponemal infections. This entails improvement in health services and training of health personnel.