Namibia first in Africa to near elimination of mother-to-child HIV and hepatitis B transmission
Namibia has set a groundbreaking health milestone as the first country in Africa and the first high-burden country globally to approach the elimination of vertical mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and viral hepatitis B.
The World Health Organization (WHO) awarded Namibia with the "silver tier" status for its progress against hepatitis B and the "bronze tier" status for its efforts against HIV, as announced on May 6.
“This is a landmark achievement by Namibia that demonstrates the life-saving possibilities of committed political leadership and effective implementation of public health priorities. With concerted efforts, we can accelerate progress to reach the goals of ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis – the triple elimination,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Namibia, located in Southern Africa, carries a significant burden with more than 200,000 individuals living with HIV. The Eastern and Southern Africa region also contends with more than half of the world’s HIV burden and two-thirds of new global hepatitis B infections, according to WHO. Notably, new HIV infections disproportionately impact females in Namibia.
The global fight against vertical transmission has seen significant progress, with WHO reporting that since 2010, approximately 2.5 million children have avoided HIV transmission at birth, including 28,000 in Namibia alone.
In a related development, Belize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines were recognised by WHO on May 7 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
A commemorative event in Kingston, Jamaica, organised by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and supported by UNICEF and UNAIDS, celebrated this achievement with the participation of health ministers from the three countries.
To date, 19 countries and territories worldwide have been certified for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis, 11 of which are in the Americas, according to PAHO. Cuba was notably the first country in the world to achieve this dual elimination in 2015, setting a precedent for global health advancements.
