-

AHF responds to CDC Report of Rise in STD During Pandemic

Sexually transmitted infections -- particularly syphilis and congenital syphilis—escalated during COVID-19 despite lockdowns and stay-at-home orders

original A previous AHF billboard campaign offering a warning about the dangers of congenital syphilis with a link for the public to get information on testing and treatment at www.freeSTDcheck.org (Photo: Business Wire)

A previous AHF billboard campaign offering a warning about the dangers of congenital syphilis with a link for the public to get information on testing and treatment at www.freeSTDcheck.org (Photo: Business Wire)

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to just-released 2021 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data showing sexually-transmitted-infections (STIs) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, AHF issued the following statement:

“To see almost 200 stillbirths because of congenital syphilis in the U.S.in 2021 is a travesty,” said Whitney Engeran-Cordova, Vice President of AHF’s Public Health Division. “With proper and timely screening, syphilis can be a treatable and curable infection. These latest CDC numbers underscore the urgency of need for far more widespread and easily accessible testing and treatment options.”

To find locations for free STD/HIV screening, visit AHF’s www.freestdcheck.org

Contacts

Ged Kenslea, AHF Communications Dir. (323) 791-5526 cell ged.kenslea@ahf.org
Jacki Schechner, VP, AHF Media Relations (310) 633-0547 cell jacki.schechner@ahf.org

Industry:

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Release Summary
AHF responds to CDC Report of Rise in STD During Pandemic
Release Versions
English

Contacts

Ged Kenslea, AHF Communications Dir. (323) 791-5526 cell ged.kenslea@ahf.org
Jacki Schechner, VP, AHF Media Relations (310) 633-0547 cell jacki.schechner@ahf.org

More News From AIDS Healthcare Foundation

AHF Hails Introduction of Protect 340B Act of 2026

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AHF Hails Introduction of Protect 340B Act of 2026...

AHF Urges African Nations to Take Charge of Medicines Regulation

KIGALI, Rwanda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With more than 20 African Union Member States yet to ratify the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Treaty, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) calls on African governments to accelerate ratification and regulatory harmonisation to expand access to affordable medicines and unlock Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing potential.The call comes as AMA convenes its inaugural week in Kigali, Rwanda, from 25–30 October 2026, against a backdrop of continued dependence on import...

Treatment = Life: AHF Reaches 2 Million Patients in Care in Africa

KAMPALA, Uganda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has surpassed 2 million patients in care across 15 African countries, marking a historic achievement 25 years after beginning its first programs outside the United States in South Africa and Uganda. With programs in four additional countries expected to launch in 2027, AHF is recognizing the communities and partnerships behind this progress while calling for urgent action to close persistent gaps in the HIV response. AHF’s work...
Back to Newsroom