EMTCT Plus. Framework for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Chagas / ETMI plus. Marco para la eliminación de la transmisión maternoinfantil del VIH, la sífilis, la hepatitis y la enfermedad de Chagas

ABSTRACT

[Introduction]. Since 2010, PAHO Member States have committed to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis in the Region, and targets were established for 2015 (Resolution CD50.R12). These commitments were renewed and expanded in 2016 through the approved Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (2016-2021), contributing to the end of AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as a public health problem in the Americas (Resolution CD55.R5) [1]. The plan of action expands the EMTCT initiative (labeled “EMTCT Plus”), leveraging the maternal and child health (MCH) platform to include elimination of other preventable communicable diseases in the Americas, such as hepatitis B and Chagas disease (the latter in endemic countries). The objective of the EMTCT Plus initiative is to achieve and sustain the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, Chagas, and perinatal hepatitis B (HBV) as a public health threat. It embraces the principles and lines of action of the Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage [2], building upon the lessons learned from the PAHO 2010 Strategy and Plan of Action for the EMTCT of HIV and Congenital Syphilis...