West Bengal’s Triple Elimination Initiative: A Step Toward Eradicating Infectious Diseases in Mothers and Infants

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-04-02 08:52:52 |

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In a groundbreaking move, West Bengal has launched the ‘Triple Elimination’ initiative, aimed at eradicating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B by 2026. This collaborative effort, involving the state government, the William J Clinton Foundation, and the World Health Organization, represents a transformative approach to improving maternal and child health by addressing these infectious diseases together.

The initiative, which began as a pilot project in April 2024 in four districts, has expanded to all 23 districts by March 2025. Pregnant women are screened for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B during their anti-natal care, with those testing positive receiving immediate treatment and counseling. Deliveries occur in medical institutions to minimize the risk of transmission, and newborns of Hepatitis B-positive mothers receive the necessary vaccines and injections promptly.

A significant challenge faced was improving accessibility to healthcare services, especially in remote areas. To address this, syphilis services have been decentralized to block levels, and deliveries for HIV and Hepatitis B-positive mothers are now managed locally. This hyperlocal approach reduces travel distances and helps mitigate stigma.

The success of the Triple Elimination initiative could serve as a model for national implementation, with the potential to reduce newborn infections across India, contributing to a healthier future for mothers and children.

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