Age-Specific Patterns of Syphilis Screening, Positivity, and Treatment Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Zimbabwe,2025
1
Strategic Information and Evaluation, JF Kapnek Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2297
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Maternal syphilis remains a major contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes in Zimbabwe, despite the availability of effective screening and treatment. JF Kapnek Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and OPHID, has supported syphilis screening and treatment among women booking for antenatal care (ANC) in TASQC‑supported health facilities in Masvingo Province. Early ANC attendance and timely syphilis management are critical for preventing congenital syphilis. This study assessed age‑specific coverage of syphilis testing, positivity, and treatment among pregnant women attending ANC in Masvingo Province between 2025.
METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of routine program data for pregnant women attending first ANC visits in 2025. Data were stratified by age group to determine syphilis testing coverage, positivity rates, and treatment uptake.
RESULTS:
Between January and December 2025, 84,414 pregnant women attended their first ANC visit; 80,432 (95.3%) were tested for syphilis. Overall, 1,650 women (2.1%) tested positive, and 1,474 (89.3%) received at least one dose of treatment. The highest ANC attendance was among women aged 20-24 years (29%) and 15-19 years (22%). Syphilis positivity was highest among women aged 25-29 years (2.3%), 20–24 years (1.7%), and 30-34 years (3.2%). Treatment coverage exceeded 85% in most age groups but was lower among adolescents aged 15–19 years (76.6%).
CONCLUSIONS:
High syphilis testing coverage reflects strong integration of maternal and communicable disease services within ANC platforms. However, persistent infection among young and middle‑aged women and suboptimal treatment uptake among adolescents highlight critical gaps. Policymakers and practitioners should prioritize youth‑friendly ANC services, allocate dedicated resources for partner notification and follow‑up, and institutionalize monitoring of treatment completion across age groups. Embedding syphilis management within broader maternal health strategies and ensuring accountability for adolescent care are essential to accelerate elimination of congenital syphilis and achieve equitable maternal health outcomes.
Maternal syphilis remains a major contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes in Zimbabwe, despite the availability of effective screening and treatment. JF Kapnek Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and OPHID, has supported syphilis screening and treatment among women booking for antenatal care (ANC) in TASQC‑supported health facilities in Masvingo Province. Early ANC attendance and timely syphilis management are critical for preventing congenital syphilis. This study assessed age‑specific coverage of syphilis testing, positivity, and treatment among pregnant women attending ANC in Masvingo Province between 2025.
METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of routine program data for pregnant women attending first ANC visits in 2025. Data were stratified by age group to determine syphilis testing coverage, positivity rates, and treatment uptake.
RESULTS:
Between January and December 2025, 84,414 pregnant women attended their first ANC visit; 80,432 (95.3%) were tested for syphilis. Overall, 1,650 women (2.1%) tested positive, and 1,474 (89.3%) received at least one dose of treatment. The highest ANC attendance was among women aged 20-24 years (29%) and 15-19 years (22%). Syphilis positivity was highest among women aged 25-29 years (2.3%), 20–24 years (1.7%), and 30-34 years (3.2%). Treatment coverage exceeded 85% in most age groups but was lower among adolescents aged 15–19 years (76.6%).
CONCLUSIONS:
High syphilis testing coverage reflects strong integration of maternal and communicable disease services within ANC platforms. However, persistent infection among young and middle‑aged women and suboptimal treatment uptake among adolescents highlight critical gaps. Policymakers and practitioners should prioritize youth‑friendly ANC services, allocate dedicated resources for partner notification and follow‑up, and institutionalize monitoring of treatment completion across age groups. Embedding syphilis management within broader maternal health strategies and ensuring accountability for adolescent care are essential to accelerate elimination of congenital syphilis and achieve equitable maternal health outcomes.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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