“Syphilis Cases Increase in Indonesia, Impacting Children’s Health”

Jakarta –

The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) noted an increase in syphilis cases in Indonesia, including in children. This is triggered by the lack of treatment performed on pregnant women.

So far, the percentage of treatment of the total cases of syphilis in pregnant women is only around 40 percent. Most of the remaining, namely 60 percent, do not undergo treatment which has an impact on the child’s birth defects, which can lead to death.

Pediatrician Dr. Andy Setiawan, SpA, explained that children infected with syphilis can experience various symptoms. Starting from hearing loss, abnormalities in the bridge of the nose, to disorders of the brain.

In his explanation, he said that infected children could still be cured. However, the child will be disabled for life.

“If it happens, the child who gets syphilis, he will be disabled for life,” explained Dr. Andy when met in North Jakarta, Wednesday (10/5/2023).

“The infection can still be cured, but the defects that have occurred can’t be done anymore,” he continued.

Therefore, Dr. Andy reminded pregnant women to have a check-up early in their pregnancy. This is to prevent transmission of dangerous diseases, such as syphilis, to children.

However, if a child is born positively infected with syphilis, it must be treated immediately.

“If a child is born with syphilis, it must be treated and treated immediately. This prevents a more fatal risk from the infection,” he concluded.

Watch Video “Ministry of Health: 69-80% of Syphilis Transmission Through Mother-to-Child“

(sao/naf)