South Africa’s congenital syphilis rate remains nearly four times above WHO target

South Africa recorded 1,552 clinical notifications of congenital syphilis in 2024, despite testing and treatment delays. The notification rate for 2024 is about 190 cases per 100,000 live births, well above the WHO target of fewer than 50 cases. Specialists emphasize that syphilis is easily diagnosable and treatable, but many women are not tested as recommended during pregnancy.