The initiative focuses on point-of-care testing in emergency departments and nontraditional settings to address rising congenital syphilis rates.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a $4 million initiative to expand access to rapid, point-of-care syphilis testing. The program focuses on reaching women in emergency departments and other nontraditional healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of the infection to infants.
Congenital syphilis cases have risen for 12 consecutive years, with nearly 4,000 cases reported in 2024. This represents a nearly 700% increase over the past decade. In 2023, congenital syphilis contributed to 279 stillbirths and infant deaths. HHS estimates that 83% of congenital syphilis cases in 2023 could have been prevented with timely testing and treatment.
“Congenital syphilis is preventable, yet too many mothers and babies are still suffering its devastating consequences,” says Robert F Kennedy Jr, HHS secretary, in a release. “HHS is putting rapid tests where women receive care so we can detect infections earlier, treat them faster, and protect more babies.”
Expanding Access to Point-of-Care Testing
Point-of-care syphilis tests provide rapid results, allowing healthcare providers to begin treatment immediately rather than waiting for traditional laboratory testing. This speed is critical for closing gaps in care, particularly for women who do not regularly visit traditional clinical settings.
According to HHS data, more than 40% of pregnant women who delivered a baby with congenital syphilis in 2023 did not receive a syphilis test in time to receive adequate treatment before delivery. Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, and lifelong medical complications.
Through this initiative, HHS is directing approximately $3.25 million in supplemental awards to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of STD Prevention. The funding will support recipients of the CDC Strengthening STD Prevention and Control for Health Departments cooperative agreement to expand access to point-of-care testing and link patients to care from August 2026 through February 2027.
Targeting Nontraditional Healthcare Settings
The initiative aims to promote screening and treatment beyond traditional healthcare environments by strengthening partnerships across public health programs. Targeted settings include emergency departments, maternal and child health programs, correctional intake settings, and substance use treatment programs.
The awarded jurisdictions were identified based on a high burden of syphilis and congenital syphilis. Remaining funding will support national partners providing technical assistance and implementation support. By expanding rapid testing and strengthening collaboration across these sectors, HHS aims to reduce missed opportunities for diagnosis, prevent congenital syphilis, and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.
