Doctor Gloria Tewers, CCSS’sexually transmitted disease specialist, explained that within two years, Costa Rica could eliminate the birth of children with AIDS.
In 2014, the CCSS started a strict strategy of prenatal controls, which require all pregnant women to take HIV and syphilis tests. These measures have allowed the country to comply with a directive issued by the World Health Organization, that aims to eliminate congenital syphilis, neonatal HIV, the elimination of AIDS and hepatitis B and C.
It’s just a more proactive surveillance during the prenatal stage. I could state that there are many ways to possibly classify and rank Costa Rica as one of the countries that eliminate neonatal HIV,
explained the specialist .
CCSS’ new strategies address the pregnant woman, her sexual partner and also children under 2 years old living with them. As a result, 50% of cases of congenital syphilis infection have been reduced.