Healthy Futures provides rapid syphilis and HIV dual diagnostic testing kits and penicillin treatment protocols for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. This integrated approach aims to reduce stillbirths and newborn deaths by preventing congenital syphilis transmission.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Congenital syphilis results in approximately 140,000 stillbirths and 60,000 newborn deaths annually, a preventable global health crisis. Testing rates for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries remain low, with only 54% of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa receiving syphilis screening, despite the availability of cost-effective diagnostic and treatment options.
Solution
Healthy Futures supports national health programs in implementing rapid syphilis and HIV dual testing for pregnant women. The intervention focuses on timely penicillin treatment for syphilis-positive individuals, which significantly reduces the risk of vertical transmission to newborns. This approach aims to mitigate stillbirths and newborn mortality associated with congenital syphilis. By integrating rapid diagnostics and effective treatment protocols, the program addresses a critical gap in maternal and child healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes ministries of health, national public health agencies, and non-governmental organizations operating in low- and middle-income countries focused on maternal and child health initiatives.
Features
- Rapid syphilis/HIV dual diagnostic test kits for point-of-care screening of pregnant women.
- Penicillin-based treatment protocols for confirmed syphilis cases in pregnant individuals.
- Integration support for national health systems to scale testing and treatment coverage.
- Data collection mechanisms to monitor screening rates, treatment adherence, and transmission outcomes.
- Training modules for healthcare providers on syphilis screening and management.