Syphilis passed on in pregnancy has been linked to the deaths of eight babies in the past five years

An Institute of Environmental Science and Research surveillance report finds of the eight cases of congenital syphilis reported in 2022, seven women were Maori and one was Pasifika.

Six babies were live-born with symptoms, one was stillborn, and another was a perinatal death.

New Zealand Sexual Health Society's Dr Massimo Giola says there's a primary care crisis at the moment that's affecting everything including sexual health and antenatal care.