The World Health Organization (WHO) is intensifying efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus with the launch of a Regional Validation Committee for Africa. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to safeguarding the health of mothers and children across the continent.
The committee, established by the WHO Regional Office for Africa, will assess and verify the validity of national reports to ensure countries meet the rigorous standards for eliminating the transmission of these three infections. The validation process relies on standardized criteria, tools, and evaluations at the national, regional, and global levels, focusing on data quality, programme effectiveness, laboratory standards, and adherence to human rights, gender equality, and community engagement.
At its inaugural meeting in Brazzaville on November 25–26, 2024, the committee included representatives from Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, the United States, and Zimbabwe.
“The establishment of the [committee] reflects the scale of our commitment to supporting Member States and recognizing their progress towards triple elimination of these significant public health threats,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Africa has made significant progress against HIV, with over 21.3 million people receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment. In Eastern and Southern Africa, 90% of pregnant women now access therapy to protect their babies from HIV. However, progress in West and Central Africa remains slower.
The committee will not only validate achievements but also support countries in identifying gaps and strengthening their health systems to meet elimination goals. Guided by WHO’s Framework for Triple Elimination and its tiered certification process (bronze, silver, and gold), the initiative provides a roadmap for high-burden countries to accelerate progress.
Botswana’s silver-tier status for HIV elimination and Namibia’s successes in eliminating hepatitis B and HIV stand as examples of what can be achieved through dedication and collaboration.
“The triple elimination agenda is part of our collective efforts towards ending diseases in Africa and articulates the vision and strategy for multi-disease burden reduction for the region,” Dr. Moeti added.
By combining validation with systemic health improvements, the WHO is reinforcing its mission to combat mother-to-child transmission of these significant public health threats.
