Country guidance for planning triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus programmes

Overview

This publication provides guidance for planning country-specific programming to achieve the triple elimination of mother-to-child (or vertical) transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus. It is based on the WHO Triple Elimination Framework, which promotes an integrated, person-centred approach to efficiently and holistically prevent transmission of these infections from mothers to their infants along four pillars.

The 4 pillars are: 1. primary prevention of infection and vertical transmission; 2. SRH linkages and integration; 3. essential maternal EMTCT services; and 4. infant, child and partner services.

Achieving triple elimination is dependent on meeting the needs and supporting the rights of women, newborns, children and families. In each pillar, target populations and a minimum package of essential services to be delivered are described.

The guidance also describes the framework’s cross-cutting implementation considerations, including health system strengthening to better provide effective person-centred care, strategic information gathering and analysis, leadership, community engagement, partnerships and cross-programmatic coordination, and identifying and addressing barriers.  

This guidance outlines a comprehensive strategy for governments, health-care providers and relevant stakeholders to assess, improve and expand elimination programmes. Country case studies are presented to illustrate some good practices and to offer models to inform development of country roadmaps for eliminating vertical transmission by 2030.