African Regions Strive to Eliminate Mother-to-Ch...

African Regions Strive to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

The World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa has launched a Regional Validation Committee aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. This initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring healthier futures for mothers and children across the continent.

The RVC is tasked with verifying the content, validity, and quality of national reports submitted by countries striving to achieve EMTCT. This rigorous process is based on standardized criteria and evaluation mechanisms designed to ensure transparency and accountability.

The committee's inaugural meeting, held in Brazzaville on November 26-27, included representatives from Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, the United States, and Zimbabwe.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of the committee, stating:
"The establishment of this committee reflects the scale of our commitment to supporting member states and recognizing their progress towards the triple elimination of these significant public health threats."

The African region has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV. According to WHO, over 21.3 million people are now receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment. In Eastern and Southern Africa, 90% of pregnant women access antiretroviral therapy, significantly reducing the risk of transmitting HIV to their babies.

The RVC has been actively reviewing national reports to identify gaps and provide support to countries in meeting stringent EMTCT standards.

Dr. Moeti underscored the significance of this agenda:
"The triple elimination agenda is part of our collective efforts toward ending diseases in Africa and articulates a vision and strategy for multi-disease reduction in the region."

Botswana's achievement of a silver tier status for HIV elimination and Namibia’s progress in eliminating both hepatitis B and HIV stand as powerful examples of what can be accomplished through dedication and collaboration.

By advancing the EMTCT agenda, Africa continues to demonstrate its commitment to public health and the wellbeing of future generations.