An article from March 1, 2023 in CNN Health online entitled Rates of congenital syphilis are skyrocketing in the US. Here’s why, highlights the problem of congenital syphilis as a growing concern in the US. “Over the past decade, “there’s been about a 700% increase in the cases of congenital syphilis in the United States,” said Dr. Robert McDonald of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of STD Prevention, Surveillance and Data Management.”
The article highlights the complicated causes, including Financial, shortage of medical personnel and facilities, and health literacy . “The reasons for this increase are complex and intertwined, starting with a lack of funding.” and “Next, there’s a shortage of qualified personnel…. One of the main roles of public health programs is messaging, getting the word out. Without staff and resources, awareness has been lacking.”
“Rates of syphilis are six times higher among Medicaid participants compared with people covered by private insurance and twice as high compared with those who pay their own health care costs, according to a recent study by the CDC.”
HEALTH CONVERSATIONS: When Aware We Care 