Fiji's national advisor for family health says almost 400 children under the age of five are dying from preventable or curable diseases in Fiji every year.
Last year, there were 259 reported cases of syphilis in children aged under one.
Dr Josaia Samuela says the deaths are directly linked to the failure of mothers to attend antenatal clinics during their first trimester.
"It's very important that mothers come for bookings very early in their state of pregnancy because by doing so they'll have a proper check-up and if there are any problems, that will be attended to. And in the case of syphillis - if the pregnant mother has it - then the earlier treatment is given, the chance of curing it and preventing the unborn child from being infected (is greater)."
Last year, there were 259 reported cases of syphilis in children aged under one in Fiji.
