Afrigather By Tatenda Chimbwanda
Harare, Zimbabwe – At present, the World Well being Group (WHO) performed a pivotal aspect occasion on the Worldwide Convention on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) 2023. The occasion, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Well being and Little one Care (MoHCC), UNAIDS and UNICEF, centered on the Triple Elimination of Mom-to-Little one Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.
WHO Zimbabwe, Exterior Communications Officer, Vivian Mugarisi was, the occasion moderator. She launched a panel of specialists together with Dr. Morkor Newman from the WHO Headquarters, Dr. Agnes Chetty, the WHO AFRO medical officer for HIV prevention, UNICEF’s Dr. Ider Dungerdorj, Dr. Angela Mushavi from the MoHCC, and Dr. Olufunmilayo Lesi, WHO Viral Hepatitis Lead in Geneva.
Dr. Newman supplied an summary of the WHO’s Triple Elimination Initiative, emphasizing its person-centered method and specific give attention to Syphilis. The initiative goals to eradicate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis, thereby safeguarding the well being of future generations.
Dr. Chetty offered an African perspective on progress in direction of Triple Elimination. Regardless of important progress, he highlighted the persistent downside of latest HIV infections in younger ladies. He underscored the significance of prenatal take care of testing and treating all three ailments and known as on international locations to take care of their features and undertake finest practices.
Discussing the success of Africa in decreasing new HIV instances by 70%, Dr. Dungerdorj careworn the significance of partnerships, political dedication, funding in healthcare, and community-led options.
Dr. Mushavi shared Zimbabwe’s expertise with Triple Elimination, outlining the nation’s plan for 2023-2026. Notable achievements embody the introduction of self-testing kits, an revolutionary answer to enhance entry to testing. She careworn the significance of reaching hard-to-reach populations and fascinating communities by way of varied initiatives.
Addressing the difficulty of Hepatitis B, Dr. Lesi emphasised its prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and its hyperlink to most cancers. She advocated for testing moms and expressed the necessity for brand new WHO tips to help Triple Elimination efforts.
In response to an inquiry from an attendee, Elizabeth from Ghana, about WHO’s efforts to advertise routine testing for Triple Elimination, the panel emphasised that entry to prenatal care and testing for all three ailments is essential. In addition they highlighted the significance of neighborhood engagement and management for reaching hard-to-reach populations.
The aspect occasion concluded with a transparent name to motion. The panelists underscored the necessity for continued dedication and collaboration from governments, communities, and worldwide organizations. They advocated for elevated funding in healthcare and community-based interventions and inspired the exploration of revolutionary options like self-testing kits to enhance entry to testing and remedy. Moreover, they careworn the significance of advocacy and consciousness campaigns to teach the general public concerning the significance of Triple Elimination.
The aspect occasion, hosted below the joint United Nations exhibition sales space for WHO, UNFPA, and UNAIDS, successfully showcased the companies’ collaborative efforts in addressing HIV/AIDS inside the nation and throughout the African area. Aligned with the overarching theme of “Let Communities Lead,” this occasion served as one among a number of impactful initiatives spearheaded by WHO through the 2023 Worldwide Convention on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA). The convention’s essential theme, “AIDS Is Not Over: Handle Inequalities, Speed up Inclusion and Innovation,” underscores the continued want for centered consideration and collective motion to beat the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS.
