Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, August 8: Namibia has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first high-burden country in the region to successfully apply for triple elimination validation.
At present, a Regional Validation Committee is conducting an assessment within Namibia to evaluate the submission pertaining to the Path to Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
The Triple Elimination Initiative aligns with the global commitment to eradicate the vertical transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and the Hepatitis B virus from mother to child.
Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, highlights the significant progress Namibia has made in enhancing indicators related to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Furthermore, Nangombe anticipates that Namibia will soon join the ranks of African nations to be certified for its progress towards the triple elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of these three infections.
Nangombe emphasizes, “The national triple validation report underscores that Namibia has achieved nearly universal testing coverage for HIV and syphilis in Antenatal Care settings. Positive cases receive appropriate treatment. Our data reveals commendable results in HBV antenatal testing, antiviral prophylaxis coverage, and HBV birth doses for infants.”
Through the strategic implementation of HIV medicine and the maintenance of an undetectable viral load during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and breastfeeding, the risk of transmission through breastfeeding is minimized to less than 1 percent. This approach has proven effective in reducing HIV transmission from mother to child in numerous countries. While significant knowledge exists about these strategies, the key challenge lies in their comprehensive implementation.
The Regional Validation Committee comprises accomplished experts from diverse fields. Stakeholders will evaluate the National Validation Report and provide recommendations to the Regional Validation Secretariat for necessary actions.
The submission from the Government of Namibia has prompted the convening of the Regional Validation Committee by WHO/AFRO, serving as the Regional Validation Secretariat. Comprising members from UN agencies, development partners, ministries of health, civil society, and academia, this committee will undertake an in-depth review through desk assessments and on-site visits.- Namibia Daily News
