Launch of the EMTCT Plus Project for the Caribbean and Intensified Actions for Congenital Syphilis Elimination

Overview

The Region of the Americas is facing rising incidence rates of syphilis and congenital syphilis with increases in cases among key populations, pregnant women, and newborns. According to data reported to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), between 2016 and 2022, the number of cases of congenital syphilis in the Americas rose by 40%, reaching a peak of more than 36,000 cases in 2022. Nineteen countries, out of 26 reporting countries, observed increases in the prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women between 2015 and 2022.

These epidemic trends are occurring despite countries' commitment towards the Regional and Global Initiative for the elimination of syphilis and the mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Congenital Chagas disease.  There is a need to engage countries in a regional dialogue regarding the increase of syphilis and congenital syphilis, threatening the sustainability of the gains.  This webinar for CARICOM Member States and territories will highlight what are some of the major concerns and technical support needs critical to addressing syphilis in the general and antenatal populations.

Objectives

1. Review the objectives and outputs for the project, “Strengthening EMTCT Plus Strategy within Maternal Child Health”.
2. Outline the integration of  EMTCT Plus strategy into immunization and regional project to achieve the elimination of the mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B.
3. Detail barriers that impact the achievement and sustainability of EMTCT of syphilis in the Caribbean.
4. Engage participants in a dialogue to determine some of the challenges experienced and barriers to scale-up or maintain syphilis testing in the general populations and population of reproductive age.
5. Present strategies to expand the test and treat approach for syphilis among pregnant women, women in vulnerable situations and the public through the use of innovative tools.
6. Advocate to expand access to screening through innovative approaches, such as expansion of dual HIV/syphilis rapid test, point of care testing in health services, and outreach in the communities, including community-based testing and treatment.

Audience

1. Maternal and Child Health Coordinators/Advisors
2. Midwives and Public Health Nurses
3. Immunization Managers/officers
4. Pediatricians (Public and private facilities)
5. Primary care physicians
6. OBGYN (Public and private)
7. National AIDS Program Managers
8. STI Managers
9. Laboratory Directors & personnel

Register

https://paho-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XPPiZbFLRoKz3pFD8dc_kA