On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Namibia has become the inaugural African nation and the first high-burden country globally to achieve a significant milestone in eliminating the transmission of both HIV and viral hepatitis B from mother to child.
The World Health Organization noted that eastern and southern Africa collectively bear over half of the global HIV burden, while the continent is responsible for two-thirds of all new hepatitis B infections worldwide. Namibia, where over 200,000 individuals live with HIV, experiences a disproportionate impact on women due to new infections. Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at UNAIDS remarked, “In many countries, we are neglecting our children by not providing them with the same level of treatment as their mothers and other adults.”
“We commend Namibia’s steadfast commitment to combating this injustice, and we take pride in acknowledging their remarkable endeavor to ensure no child is left behind. They stand as a guiding light for the entire region,” she expressed. HIV testing is nearly universally accessible among pregnant women throughout Namibia, and the availability of treatment has resulted in a 70% decrease in vertical transmission over the past two decades.
In 2022, just 4% of infants born to mothers with HIV contracted the virus, marking a significant achievement.
Furthermore, nearly 80% of newborns received the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose promptly, a crucial indicator of progress toward elimination. Namibia has effectively integrated primary healthcare services with antenatal, child health, and sexual and reproductive health services, ensuring widespread availability of free clinical services and support. Recognizing specific criteria, the World Health Organization has honored Namibia with “silver tier” status for its advancements in reducing hepatitis B and “bronze tier” status for its progress in combating HIV.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, remarked, “This marks a pivotal accomplishment, illustrating the potential to save lives through dedicated political stewardship and the successful execution of public health imperatives.”
The WHO’s Triple Elimination Initiative, targeting the transmission of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis, strives to protect the well-being of mothers and children, asserting the fundamental right of every child to enter the world devoid of the burden posed by these viruses.