Importance of ensuring children be born free of 3 infections
According to the WHO and the latest roadmap, all 3 infections of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis-B, can be transmitted from women to their newborns during pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, HIV can be transmitted during breastfeeding too.
These infections can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and potential long-term consequences for both mother and child. Without science-based interventions, vertical transmission rate for HIV can be up to 45%, leading to high morbidity and mortality among HIV-exposed infants.
Similarly, 70% to 90% of infants born to women positive for hepatitis-B infection may become chronically infected with hepatitis B if not vaccinated and treated.
Syphilis during pregnancy can result in congenital anomalies, a high risk of stillbirth, premature births, low birth weight and early infant deaths.
68 months left to meet the target
With just less than six years left to meet the targets, governments need to invest more in robust policies and tailored programmes to meet these goals of ensuring every child is born free of HIV, hepatitis-B and syphilis, This includes:
- Antenatal screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis-B for women and their male partners.
- Treatment and care services for women and their male partners with HIV, hepatitis-B and syphilis.
- Safe delivery and infant feeding options.
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