Syphilis control during pregnancy: effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.91.5.705
• Publication Date: 2008-11-29T13:33:29Z
• Authors: K Fonck; Priscilla Claeys; Bashir Farah; J Bwayo; L Fransen; M Temmerman
• Keywords: Rapid plasma reagin

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the performance, effectiveness, and costs of a decentralized antenatal syphilis screening program in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS: Health clinic data, quality control were analyzed. RESULTS: The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) seroprevalence was 3.4%. In terms screening, treatment, partner notification, program's performance adequate. effectiveness problematic because false-negative false-positive RPR results. cost per averted case calculated be US$95 US$112. CONCLUSIONS: sustainability this labor-intensive is threatened by logistic constraints. Alternative strategies, such as mass epidemiologic treatment pregnant women high-prevalence areas, should considered.