eCommons@AKU

Title

Syphilis control in pregnancy: Effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program.

Authors

Fonck K, Ghent University
P Claeys, Ghent University
F Bashir, Ghent University
J Bwayo, Ghent University
L Fransen, Ghent University
Marleen Temmerman, Aga Khan UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Department

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)

Abstract

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 data, and costs were analyzed.

RESULTS: The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) seroprevalence was 3.4%. In terms of screening, treatment, and partner notification, the program's performance was adequate. The program's effectiveness was problematic because of false-negative and false-positive RPR results. The cost per averted case was calculated to be US$95 to US$112.

CONCLUSIONS: The sustainability of this labor-intensive program is threatened by costs and logistic constraints. Alternative strategies, such as the mass epidemiologic treatment of pregnant women in high-prevalence areas, should be considered.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication ( Name of Journal)

American journal of public health

Recommended Citation

K, F., Claeys, P., Bashir, F., Bwayo, J., Fransen, L., Temmerman, M. (2001). Syphilis control in pregnancy: Effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program.. American journal of public health, 91(5), 705-707.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_obstet_gynaecol/441