
Pandemic-era funding gaps fuel rise in maternal and congenital syphilis
U.S. maternal syphilis rose 28% from 2022–2024, helping drive a 700% increase in congenital syphilis since 2015. Experts say stagnant STI funding, COVID-19–related service disruptions, and barriers to prenatal care and testing (like Medicaid enrollment delays and stigma) are key factors. The piece emphasizes universal syphilis screening in the first and third trimesters and at delivery to prevent congenital syphilis, while noting ongoing gaps in access and funding that hinder effective prevention and treatment.












