Brazilian cities implement measures to combat congenital syphilis

Municipal health authorities in Brazil are implementing various strategies to combat congenital syphilis and improve maternal-infant care.

In Porto Velho, the Municipal Health Secretariat (Semusa) reported a 52.3% reduction in congenital syphilis cases due to strengthened prenatal care. Between 2021 and 2025, the number of pregnant women diagnosed and monitored in the primary health network increased by 84.6%. The city provides rapid testing and free penicillin treatment in urban and district health units to prevent vertical transmission.

In Petrolina, the local government is organizing the I Symposium on Congenital Syphilis on October 21 at the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (UNIVASF). The event aims to promote multiprofessional integration to eliminate vertical transmission through knowledge exchange, professional updates, and improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for pregnant women, their partners, and infants.