Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B

Overview

The survey results show that national programs still have progress to make in terms of policies, budgeting, and the availability and use of services and commodities before they will be able to reach the triple elimination goals set out by the WHO. Some general health systems challenges lie in the different level of services obtained by pregnant women, such as early and regular ANC visits and facility deliveries. There is a particularly large discrepancy in access between those living in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. General strengthening of health care systems over the longer term will be necessary to address such issues, including increased support for community health care workers who can help bridge the gap by facilitating access to testing and linkage to care and treatment.

While much progress is still to be made, overall funding for elimination of HIV mother-to-child transmission in sub-Saharan Africa remains significant, perhaps outside of west and central Africa, but syphilis and especially HBV programs remain grossly underfunded.

With the funding, political will, and resourcing, triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission is imminently possible. We have the tools and policies. Only implementation remains.