Implementation of Triple EMTCT of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B in Francophone African Countries: Approaches, Challenges and Opportunities

Special webinar to present a framework for triple elimination of mother to child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the Francophone African region (current situation, approaches, country experiences).

Organizers/Partners

WHO Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Program (HHS)

WHO Regional Office for Africa

UNAIDS

The Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children (WCA Hub)

Eva Network.

Objectives

presentation of current data on the epidemiological situation and programmatic issues related to triple elimination (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B);

Introduction to WHO guidelines on triple elimination and HBV management; And

Sharing of experiences and perspectives on the challenges of triple elimination implementation in Francophone African countries by the Ministry of Health (MoH), civil society, technical and financial partners and researchers.

Background

The African region has made great strides in its fight against HIV and AIDS – HIV incidence and mortality have declined, and by the end of 2023, some countries were on track to reach global targets for HIV testing and treatment coverage (UNAIDS 2024). or were on it. ). However, progress has been uneven, and West and Central African countries are generally less advanced in achieving these goals, particularly with regard to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). While the region is home to 20% of pregnant women living with HIV worldwide, it accounts for 52% of all pregnant women living with HIV who are not on treatment. In terms of pediatric HIV, only a third (35%) of children living with HIV were placed on ARV treatment in 2023 (UNAIDS 2024).

In addition, this region is particularly affected by the viral hepatitis B epidemic, as 19 sub-Saharan African countries have high endemic rates (over 8% prevalence), 15 in West and Central Africa. Syphilis among pregnant women is estimated to be 0.16% in West Africa and 1.04% in Central Africa.

In 2021, WHO launched the Triple EMTCT Initiative to encourage countries to join together in PMTCT for HIV, syphilis and HBV, reinforcing the need for integrated service delivery. In 2024, new guidelines on hepatitis B were published, proposing simplified management of pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B. Numerous technical and financial partners (Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Expert France, United, PEPFAR, UNAIDS, UNICEF, etc. .). However, there are still major practical challenges in implementation.

This is why UNAIDS, WHO, the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children (WCA Hub) and the EVA Network have decided to organize a series of webinars on the theme of triple elimination, focusing on Francophone African countries.