Global Effort Intensifies to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B

WHO Issues Comprehensive Guidance for Integrated Prevention Programs

A significant global push is underway to eradicate the mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV). This public health priority aims to shield future generations by ensuring pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls receive the highest quality, person-centered care.

New Guidance Sets Path for Triple Elimination

The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled its inaugural guidance for developing comprehensive, integrated Triple Elimination (EMTCT) programs at the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science in Kigali, Rwanda. This landmark document, grounded in the WHO Triple Elimination Framework, champions a unified approach across four key pillars and four implementation considerations.

“The release of this new guidance marks a critical milestone in our collective efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus. It comes at a time when integrated approaches to maternal and child health are needed more than ever to ensure achievement of global targets by 2030 and safeguard the health of future generations.”

—Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes

The guidance offers a strategic roadmap for governments, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to evaluate, enhance, and expand elimination initiatives. Country case studies are included to highlight successful practices and offer models for national roadmaps targeting vertical transmission eradication by 2030.

Country Examples Pave the Way

Kenya’s Integrated Approach

Kenya commenced its triple elimination journey in 2018, establishing a dedicated team to develop a framework for EMTCT of HIV, syphilis, and HBV by 2022-2023. A specific Triple Elimination Technical Working Group was formed in 2024, with oversight decentralized to county and sub-county levels for capacity building and supervision. Engagement with people living with HIV is integral to advocacy and national framework validation.

Kenya provides a spectrum of EMTCT services, focusing on mentoring mothers, fostering peer support groups, and implementing dual HIV/syphilis testing. The nation is working to introduce universal HBV birth doses, integrate syphilis and hepatitis B screening into electronic health records, expedite infant diagnosis, and address supply chain challenges.

Namibia’s Advancements

Namibia broadened its 2020 dual HIV/syphilis elimination strategy to encompass hepatitis B in 2023, creating a triple elimination plan. A situational analysis and stakeholder consultations shaped its 2020–2024 roadmap, leading to an operational plan, updated guidelines, and integration into training and health information systems.

In recognition of its efforts, Namibia received a bronze tier award from WHO for its Path to Elimination of MTCT of HIV. Furthermore, it is the sole country to achieve a silver tier award for the Path to Elimination of MTCT of hepatitis B virus.

The global community’s commitment is bolstered by a 2022 estimate that over 129,000 new HIV infections among children were averted globally, showcasing the impact of scaling up prevention services (UNAIDS 2022).