American Journal of Public Health, Vol 91, Issue 5 705-707, Copyright © 2001 by American Public Health Association
Syphilis control during pregnancy: effectiveness and sustainability of a decentralized program
K Fonck, P Claeys, F Bashir, J Bwayo, L Fransen and M Temmerman
International Center for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, UZ P3, De Pintelaan, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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.