Why 200,000 children die at birth worldwide – WHO

LAGOS, Nigeria – The World Health Organisation(WHO) has unveiled why there are 200,000 stillbirths and newborn deaths every year. In its latest report published today, WHO attributed the 200,000 stillbirths and neonatal deaths to conginental syphilis.

“New estimates published today show that there were more than half a million (around 661,000) total cases of congenital syphilis in 2016, resulting in over 200,000 stillbirths and neonatal deaths” WHO said.

It added that syphilis remains one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally, with approximately 6 million new cases each year.

“If a pregnant woman who is infected does not receive early and effective treatment, she can then transmit the infection to her unborn infant. This is known as ‘congenital syphilis’, which is often fatal. It can also cause low birth weight, prematurity, and other congenital deformities”, WHO said, adding, congenital syphilis is the second leading cause of preventable stillbirth globally, preceded only by malaria.

WHO said congenital syphilis is easily preventable and treatable – as long as testing and treatment are provided to pregnant women early during antenatal care and that the risk of adverse outcomes to the fetus is minimal if a pregnant woman, infected with syphilis, receives testing and adequate treatment with benzathine penicillin, early in pregnancy – ideally before the second trimester.