Term

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium (*Treponema pallidum*) that spreads through contact with sores during unprotected sex.

Symptoms can include painless sores, rashes, and flu-like symptoms.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has updated regional syphilis estimates for the Americas. An estimated 4.2 million new syphilis cases occurred in 2024 - 500,000 more than in 2022 - representing a 15% increase. Ninety percent of these new cases were concentrated in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Moreover, the estimated syphilis prevalence in pregnant women in LAC has been rising steadely, with estimated prevalence reaching 2,1% in 2024, up from 1,4% in 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that newborns feel pain and discomfort and may experience emotional distress, especially when separated from their families in the first hours of life. Pain management and comfort care are WHO standards of care. (Standards in below, in "source")

Pain in newborns affects neurodevelopment, with potential short- and long-term effects.

Based on the highest level of evidence available, the Pan American Health Organization's Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend that the first ROP screening test be performed according to a schedule that considers gestational age and the time of the first ROP screening. In all cases, newborns at risk of ROP should have at least one ROP screening before being discharged from the neonatal unit.

Based on the best available scientific evidence, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends the content of information for families before hospital discharge.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of preventable blindness in childhood. Managing ROP is a priority policy to reduce its prevalence and promote eye health.

Newborns, and children deserve safe care tailored to every stage of their lives.

Health professionals: your role is key to preventing avoidable harm.

Families play a key role in ensuring that newborns and children receive safe health care.

Mothers, fathers, and caregivers can contribute by keeping records of medications and symptoms, staying informed, asking questions, and voicing any concerns.

Join the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for a regional webinar to mark World Patient Safety Day 2025 under the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”.

On World Patient Safety Day, it’s critical to highlight the need for safe care from the very beginning of life. Newborns and children require care tailored to their age, weight, developmental stage, health needs, and social context to prevent avoidable harm.

Every child and every newborn have the right to safe, quality health care from day one.

A single safety incident can have lifelong consequences for a child’s health and development.

Join the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for a regional webinar to mark World Patient Safety Day 2025 under the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”.

When: 23 September 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (EDT)