Global syphilis infection trends and prevention efforts

Public health officials are emphasizing the necessity of routine sexual health screening due to rising syphilis infection rates. In Manaus, health officials reported that acquired syphilis cases among adults averaged 361 per month in 2026, representing a 12.1 percent increase from the previous year, while congenital syphilis cases rose by 37.5 percent compared to 2025.

On a global scale, approximately 8 million new syphilis cases are recorded annually. Because the bacterium Treponema pallidum can remain asymptomatic or latent for years, many infections go undetected. If left untreated, the disease can cause severe damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.

In response to these trends, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), alongside Positive Voice and Checkpoint Sexual Health and Prevention Centers, launched the ‘Syphilis Is Serious’ campaign. The initiative aims to increase awareness and encourage early treatment through regular testing. Dr. Adele Schwartz Benzaken, Global Medical Director of AHF, noted that the disease is frequently overlooked because many individuals do not recognize symptoms or exhibit none at all.