Coverage by the Family Health Strategy and diagnosis of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis

This paper aimed to correlate syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis with coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS), based on available data in the national health information systems. The syphilis notification estimates were calculated according to the Sentinel Childbirth Study for 2004 under the Ministry of Health and the data were obtained from the websites of the Health Surveillance Secretariat and Healthcare Secretariat, for the year 2008. The ratios between observed and estimated gestational syphilis and congenital syphilis were not statistically correlated with population coverage by the FHS (r = -0.28 and r = -0.40, respectively). The FHS is a privileged area for prenatal care and logically a source of compulsory notification of syphilis in pregnancy. By combining diagnosis with adequate treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and their partners, the FHS becomes a prime instrument for eliminating congenital syphilis in Brazil. Expanding the FHS coverage and quality of care are essential for achieving this goal.