This launch event marks the official introduction of the Regional Roadmap for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in the Asia and Pacific Region for 2024–2030.
The roadmap, covering 21 Asia-Pacific countries, was developed through the collaboration of regional UNICEF, WHO, and UNAIDS, and in partnership with the Nossal Institute for Global Health. It outlines the aims of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of these infections by 2030. The roadmap includes a comprehensive situation analysis regarding progress towards EMTCT, strategic priorities, and operational guidance to support countries in tailoring their national strategies and operational plans to meet their targets.
The launch event, held during World Health Day in April, provides a significant relevance to the World Health Day theme of 2025, "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures". This theme emphasizes the importance of maternal and newborn health as the foundation for healthy families and communities, aiming to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and improve women's long-term health and well-being.
The Asia-Pacific region has made commendable progress over the past few decades in safeguarding children and their families from the triple threat of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Despite this progress, children and adolescents continue to be disproportionately affected by these preventable infections. The roadmap emphasizes the need for governments to invest in robust policies and tailored programs, including universal antenatal screening, treatment and care services, safe delivery and infant feeding options, and vaccinations and prophylaxis for children.
Collaboration and integration within and across health services are crucial to improving accessibility and outcomes for women, children, and their families. The WHO Triple Elimination Initiative brings integrated care for the mother and child, ensuring no child is infected with HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B. The roadmap builds on the existing WHO Regional Framework for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis in Asia and the Pacific 2018–2030. The collaborative efforts of all key stakeholders and the involvement of communities affected individuals, families, women, and young people are essential to achieving the ambitious goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by 2030.