Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Treponema pallidum, a bacterium that can be passed during (vaginal, anal, oral) sex and via mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) during pregnancy or delivery (i.e., congenital syphilis (CS)). Globally, more than 300,000 fetal and neonatal deaths are attributed to syphilis each year and CS is the second leading cause of stillbirth.
However, in many SSA countries, including Uganda, syphilis surveillance data are limited and rates of syphilis screening during antenatal care (ANC) are low or undocumented. It is estimated that among women in Uganda who use ANC, 82% receive HIV testing while only 43% receive syphilis testing,11 leading to many cases of syphilis (and syphilis + HIV co-infection) being undiagnosed and untreated.
To estimate prevalence and (demographic and sexual health) determinants of (1) syphilis infection in pregnant women and (2) syphilis and HIV co-infection in pregnant women.
To assess: (1) knowledge of and clinical practices related to syphilis and HIV screening and treatment; (2) awareness of/adherence to Uganda MOH guidelines for routine syphilis screening during ANC; and (3) acceptability and feasibility of implementing POC syphilis+HIV test and treat of pregnant women
To assess attitudes and practices regarding use (or non-use) of ANC; barriers/facilitators to use of ANC; knowledge about syphilis and HIV infection, including MTCT; awareness of health impact of STIs on self and baby; trends of partner communication and STI testing; health information-seeking behaviors.
Barriers to Routine Antenatal Syphilis Screening in Uganda: Provider Perspectives and Practices:
Natalie Saham, Amanda P Miller, Stephen Mugamba, Taylor Thomas, Bashir Magada, Adriane Wynn, William Ddaaki. Emmanuel Kyasanku, Robert Bulamba, Vitalis O Olwa, James Nkale, Godfrey Kigozi, Fred Nalugoda, Grace N Kigozi, Alex Daama, Gertrude Nakigozi, Jennifer A. Wagman,
Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2025 · DOI: 10.1177/23333936251375457
"As long as you are married you cannot protect yourself against syphilis": qualitative exploration of syphilis risk perception and antenatal care seeking among pregnant women in Uganda
Amanda P. Miller, Stephen Mugamba, Bashir Magada, Adriane Wynn, Natalie Saham, William Ddaaki, Emmanuel Kyasanku, Robert Bulamba, Vitalis O. Olwa, James Nkale, Godfrey Kigozi, Fred Nalugoda, Grace N. Kigozi, Alex Daama, Gertrude Nakigozi & Jennifer A. Wagman
BMC Public Health, 2026 · DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-26263-1
Protocol Title
Feasibility of Antenatal Syphilis and HIV Point of Care Testing to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission in Uganda
Study Site
Wakiso and Hoima study sites
Dr. Jennifer Wagman
Prof. Amanda Miller
Lead Collaborator
Dr. Nakigozi Getrude
Board Member
AMBSO Research Fund, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Global Health Program and UCLA Health International Services
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