Despite uncertainty, Evidence Action is strengthening the delivery of two of the most impactful interventions that can save lives now.
Stopping congenital syphilis before it harms newborns
With syphilis rates on the rise, urgent action needs to be taken to address congenital syphilis, a condition that caused 150,000 early fetal deaths and stillbirths and 70,000 neonatal deaths in 2022. The solution is simple and inexpensive:
✅Replacing existing HIV testing at antenatal care clinics with HIV/syphilis dual tests
✅Treating any positive cases with a single dose of penicillin
Syphilis-Free Start enables effective implementation of these simple, low-cost changes. Amid funding volatility that threatens to dismantle integrated testing platforms, ensuring high-quality delivery is essential to interrupt the cycle of preventable newborn deaths.
Addressing maternal anemia for healthier pregnancies
Maternal anemia and micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and dangerous maternal complications. Every dollar invested in fighting anemia in women can yield $12 in economic returns. However, multiple micronutrient supplementation remains underutilized in the regions with the highest burden.
We are currently testing ways to improve the delivery of these vitamins across 90 Nigerian healthcare facilities to bridge this gap.