Uganda is adopting a continental approach to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis under the Triple Elimination initiative.
This integrated strategy aims to provide simultaneous access to prevention, testing, and treatment services for all three infections.
Dr. Rony Bahatungire, Acting Director General of Health Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, highlighted the benefits of this approach during a media breakfast meeting held ahead of the inaugural Triple Elimination Conference in Africa.
He noted that countries such as Botswana and Nigeria have already implemented this strategy with notable success, especially as foreign donor funding decreases.
Dr. Robert Mutumba, head of the AIDS Control Program at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the urgency of the initiative.
He pointed out that globally, nearly 254 million people live with hepatitis B, with 65 million chronically infected.
In addition, nearly 8 million adults are affected by syphilis. These alarming statistics call for immediate and coordinated action.
The Triple Elimination strategy is built on three key pillars: antenatal care, testing, and treatment.
Dr. Mutumba stressed that this integrated approach could significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission rates, safeguarding the health of both mothers and newborns.
By Ben Musanje
14th July 2025
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