WHO’s commitment to this global effort catalysed maternal and child health services to expand their capacity to address vertical transmission of other communicable diseases, including hepatitis B virus (HBV). This culminated in the “triple elimination initiative”, which encourages countries to simultaneously commit to EMTCT of HIV, syphilis and HBV – further pushing the agenda for integrated service delivery.

Essential triple EMTCT services include:

• testing for HIV, syphilis and HBV in antenatal care clinics;
• prompt and efficacious interventions to treat women who test positive, and to prevent transmission of the infection(s) to their children;
• counselling for women and their partners to reduce transmission risk and ensure appropriate treatment;
• appropriately attended, safe delivery;
• appropriate follow-up of exposed infants, including HBV vaccine birth dose;
• optimal infant feeding; and
• lifelong treatment and care for mothers living with HIV, or eligible for treatment for HBV or syphilis.

Success in all countries depends on the combined efforts of advocates, policy-makers, health providers and community representatives. These stakeholders must help ensure that services are non-coercive and that the human rights of women, children and families affected by the 3 conditions are protected.