Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B as the country moves closer to meeting World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for triple elimination.
The National Validation Committee is assessing Zimbabwe’s readiness for WHO validation, with the programme aimed at ensuring every child is born free from the three preventable infections.
The integrated maternal and child health programme combines HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B prevention, testing and treatment, building on decades of progress in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV.
Officially opening the National Validation Committee meeting, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the initiative goes beyond public health targets.
“The convening of this meeting represents another significant milestone in our country’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child is born free from preventable HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B infections and that every mother receives the quality care she deserves throughout pregnancy, childbirth and post-delivery.
“It is also crucial that we meet to assess Zimbabwe’s progress towards the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. The Triple EMTCT agenda is not merely a public health objective; it is a moral imperative and a fundamental component of our commitment to Universal Health Coverage, the Sustainable Development Goals and the realisation of the right to health for all Zimbabweans.
“Over the past decades, Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in improving access to antenatal care, HIV testing and treatment services, syphilis screening and treatment, and over the last four years expanding hepatitis B testing and treatment.”
Zimbabwe has recorded notable gains, with maternal antiretroviral coverage reaching 92 percent in 2025, helping reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission to 6.45 percent. Syphilis testing has reached 95 percent, while treatment coverage stands at 98 percent. However, authorities say further progress is needed to reduce HIV transmission below the global elimination target of five percent.
Development partners commended Zimbabwe’s progress while urging sustained investment to achieve full validation.
WHO Representative Dr Desta Tiruneh reaffirmed the organisation’s support.
“The WHO remains fully committed to working alongside the Ministry of Health and Child Care and its partners to reduce the vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to levels at which they no longer constitute a public health threat. Through continued collaboration, strong political commitment, strategic investment and people-centred service delivery, Zimbabwe can achieve its vision.”
UNICEF Deputy Representative Mr Fiachra McAsey said the next national strategy presents an opportunity to consolidate gains.
“As Zimbabwe develops its next triple elimination strategy for 2027-2030, we have a unique opportunity to consolidate the gains made, address persistent bottlenecks and accelerate the final push towards validation. Zimbabwe is closer than ever to achieving triple elimination.”
UNAIDS Country Representative Mr Trouble Chikoko said success would require more than strong HIV programme performance.
“Zimbabwe has made important progress, especially on HIV and syphilis testing and treatment. The aspiration to reach the gold standard is legitimate and achievable. But it will require strong evidence, quality stigma-free services and sustained outcomes across all three conditions.”
Zimbabwe’s pursuit of triple elimination is aimed at ensuring every mother receives quality healthcare and every child is born free from preventable infections, advancing the country’s broader commitment to universal health coverage and improved maternal and child health.
