Dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are a simple, proven, and cost-saving test for both HIV and syphilis
Global Sexually Transmitted Infections Programme
The Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes leads the development and implementation of the global health sector strategy on the elimination of sexually transmitted infections as a public health threats.
Dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests
Elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis is a global health priority. It is estimated that 1.4Â million new maternal HIV infections occur every year, and 1.1 million new maternal syphilis infections occured in 2022.
Dual HIV/syphilis RDTs can be used as the first test for pregnant women as part of antenatal care. These simple tests can be used at the point-of-care and are cost-saving compared to standard testing for the 2 conditions in antenatal care, including single RDTs. They enable more women to be diagnosed with HIV and syphilis, allowing them to be treated and prevent transmission to their babies.
Multiple dual HIV/syphilis RDTs have received WHO prequalification, providing assurance that these products meet requirements for safety, quality and performance.
WHO recommendation and implementation guidance
All pregnant women should be tested for HIV, syphilis (1) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (2) at least once and as early as possible, ideally at the first antenatal care visit. (3)
Dual HIV/syphilis RDTs can be considered as the first test in HIV testing strategies and algorithms in antenatal care settings.
1. Syphilis: strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.
2. Particularly in settings with a ≥2% HBsAg seroprevalence in the general population.
3. HBsAg: strong recommendation, low-quality evidence.
Map of country policy adoption
Latest policy guidance
27 November 2019
Dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests can be used as the first test in antenatal...
WHO recommends that pregnant women receive testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B (HBSAg) at least once during pregnancy, preferably in the first trimester....
1 December 2019
Consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services
These consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services (HTS) bring together existing and new guidance on HTS across different settings and populations.In...