The initiative, led by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), aims to address missed or delayed diagnoses of syphilis in pregnant womenâ€"a key driver of congenital syphilis, which can cause stillbirths, low birth weight, neurological damage, or even neonatal death.
Dr. Charles Berabose, Director of Sexually Transmitted Infections at RBC, says the new test will deliver results within 30 minutes, allowing immediate treatment during routine antenatal visits.
'The test can be done right in the antenatal room. That will help us catch infections earlier and start treatment right away. Rwanda has already trained lab technicians nationwide to carry out the RPR test and plans to train health workers on the new kits ahead of their launch,' Dr Berabose told the New Times.
The test is part of a "triple elimination" package that also screens for HIV and hepatitis B. Unlike the current lab-based RPR method, which takes hours and often delays treatment, the new approach will be conducted directly in antenatal rooms.
Rwanda's high antenatal care attendance, with 98% of pregnant women attending at least one visit, offers a strategic entry point for early screening and intervention.
Health workers are being trained in preparation for the rollout, which is expected early next year.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/health/article/rwanda-to-introduce-rapid-testing-to-combat-congenital-syphilis
