Washington, DC — AWHONN is honored to announce the receipt of a generous grant from the CDC Foundation, dedicated to fostering innovative strategies that equip nurses with essential knowledge about infectious diseases and their profound impact on maternal and neonatal health. This initiative will prioritize congenital syphilis and HIV while establishing a comprehensive Infectious Disease Resource Center to support frontline healthcare professionals. 

This vital funding will enable AWHONN to deliver targeted educational programs that not only help curb the spread of infectious diseases but also empower nurses, certified women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNP-BC), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with the tools and information they need to care for at-risk populations. The grant directly aligns with AWHONN’s mission to champion key issues influencing the quality of maternal and neonatal nursing care. 

The urgency of this work is underscored by a sharp rise in syphilis cases globally, including a staggering 30% increase in congenital syphilis in the United States in recent years. These statistics reflect persistent challenges in prenatal screening and treatment, emphasizing the need for earlier and more effective intervention. 

Similarly, HIV continues to affect thousands of pregnancies annually in the United States. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, infants are at serious risk for complications including opportunistic infections and neurological damage. However, through destigmatized education, routine testing, and access to care, women living with HIV can achieve viral suppression and experience healthy pregnancies and births. 

The core objectives of this initiative include strengthening surveillance systems to monitor these emerging threats in real time and equipping nurses with actionable strategies to prevent, manage, and reduce their impact during pregnancy. 

This collaboration with the CDC Foundation and other healthcare partners further reinforces AWHONN’s unwavering commitment to advancing nursing care, advocating for maternal and newborn health, and improving public health outcomes on a broader scale. 

In the coming months, AWHONN will roll out new resources on its Infectious Diseases Resource Center website, providing valuable tools for members and healthcare professionals nationwide. These efforts mark a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to ensure nurses are prepared to meet current and future challenges in maternal and fetal health with confidence and compassion. 

(About AWHONN) 

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is the leading national voice for nurses in women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal care. Since becoming an independent organization in 1993, AWHONN empowers nurses through education, advocacy, and evidence-based resources to improve outcomes for women, newborns, and families. AWHONN supports members across all care settings including clinical, academic, public health, and leadership roles. Through our network of 300+ chapters, we foster a connected, informed, and inspired community committed to advancing the health of future generations. 

(About CDC Foundation) 

The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit created by Congress to support the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It builds partnerships with businesses, foundations, and individuals to help extend the CDC’s impact. The Foundation funds health initiatives not covered by government budgets, including emergency response, research, and public health programs. It has played a key role in addressing major health challenges like COVID-19, opioid misuse, and maternal health. By mobilizing private resources, the Foundation helps the CDC respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats. Its work strengthens public health systems in the U.S. and around the world. 

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $100,360 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.