Every day, approximately 30 children are diagnosed with HIV in the Asia Pacific region—a staggering statistic underscoring the urgent need for improved health initiatives. Eamonn Murphy, the UNAIDS Regional Director for Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe, has stressed that no child should begin life with a preventable disease and that families must have access to the necessary information, services, and support to ensure an HIV-free start for their children.
In response to this pressing issue, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and UNAIDS have introduced the Regional Roadmap for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. This strategic resource aims to enhance national strategies and operational plans to eradicate these diseases among children as we approach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal target.
The roadmap evaluates the progress of 21 focus countries, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea, in their efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of these diseases since 2018. Alarmingly, Fiji has reported over 20 cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV last year, while Papua New Guinea’s transmission rate remains critically high at 30%.
Murphy emphasizes the need for accessible antenatal screening for women and their partners, timely treatments, safe delivery options, and preventative measures for infants, including prophylaxis and vaccinations. While some countries have shown commitment to combating these infections, significant challenges remain, necessitating further support from both regional and global health stakeholders to expedite progress.
Since 2015, UNAIDS estimates that prevention services have averted nearly 72,000 new HIV infections among children across the region. However, 2023 saw around 10,000 new infections, highlighting a critical need for bolstered syphilis and hepatitis B monitoring and the integration of hepatitis B strategies into existing programs.
The roadmap outlines seven strategic priorities to guide national action: policy leadership, universal service access, integration with reproductive and child health systems, community engagement, and enhanced monitoring. Additionally, the success of these initiatives relies on strengthened social protection mechanisms and robust human rights protections.
In reflection of the challenges faced, it is vital to recognize the positive efforts being made towards eliminating these preventable diseases. Collaborative initiatives, increased awareness, and effective policy implementation present a hopeful pathway toward creating a healthier future for children in the Asia Pacific region.
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