ENHANCING PUBLIC HEALTH: CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING TRIPLE ELIMINATION PROGRAM AND SYPHILIS TREATMENT ACCESSIBILITY IN INDONESIAN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE FACILITY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN - A CASE REPORT

Problem statement

The Indonesian government prioritizes early screening programs for sexually transmitted diseases among pregnant women, particularly those with potential vertical transmission. However, a proportion of pregnant women still refuse to embrace this scheme, including our patient. She contracted syphilis late in her pregnancy (one month before term), leading to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Case report

Results

Based on the result of the study, the challenges lie on pregnant women compliance and participation. Another problem is the poor availability of benzathine penicillin as first-line therapy for primary syphilis in pregnant women as it is not yet widely available in primary healthcare facilities throughout the country due to limited drug supplies. Such drug shortage is amplified by patients being required to undertake a lengthy hospital referral process to access the required medications.

Conclusion

In order to reduce the infection rate of hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis among pregnant women, the government should promote a free triple elimination scheme more rigorously as a screening initiative and to ensure the accessibility and availability of drugs throughout all primary healthcare centers.