Namibia Has Ended Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B

Namibia has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first country in Africa, and globally the first high-burden nation, to effectively eliminate vertical mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and hepatitis B. This remarkable feat underscores Namibia’s commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health and signifies a significant stride in the global fight against these infectious diseases.

The significance of Namibia’s achievement cannot be overstated, particularly in Eastern and Southern Africa, regions bearing the brunt of the world’s HIV burden. With more than 200,000 people living with HIV in Namibia, the impact of new infections, particularly among females, is disproportionately high. However, Namibia’s concerted efforts have yielded tangible results, with nearly 28,000 children spared from vertical transmission of HIV since 2010.

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Key to Namibia’s success has been the widespread availability of HIV testing among pregnant women and access to treatment, resulting in a commendable 70% reduction in vertical transmission over the past two decades. Moreover, the country has achieved an impressive milestone with only 4% of babies born to HIV-positive mothers acquiring the virus in 2022. Equally noteworthy is the country’s commitment to hepatitis B vaccination, with almost 80% of infants receiving a timely birth dose, a crucial metric in the path to elimination.

Namibia’s integrated approach to primary healthcare, encompassing antenatal, child health, and sexual and reproductive health services, has played a pivotal role in achieving these milestones. Supported by stable domestic financing, the government has ensured the provision of accessible, quality, and free clinical services, reaffirming its dedication to maternal and child health.

Acknowledging Namibia’s exemplary efforts, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has awarded the country “silver tier” status for progress on reducing hepatitis B and “bronze tier” for progress on HIV. This validation underscores the effectiveness of Namibia’s comprehensive strategy to combat HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis transmission.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, lauded Namibia’s achievement as a testament to the life-saving potential of committed political leadership and effective public health implementation. The Triple Elimination Initiative, spearheaded by WHO, aims to protect the health of mothers and children and uphold every child’s right to be born free from the burden of these viruses.

Through the Triple Elimination Initiative, countries are encouraged to adopt an integrated approach to health services, prioritising person-centred care to improve health outcomes for mothers and children. Namibia’s success serves as a beacon of hope for the entire region, showcasing the transformative impact of holistic healthcare strategies in combating infectious diseases and promoting maternal and child well-being.

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Source: WHO Africa