Uganda Conference Lays Ground for Triple Elimination Agenda of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B

African Countries Commit to Agenda for Triple Elimination of HIV, Syphillis and Hepatatit

President Yoweri Museveni has challenged African countries to embrace the triple elimination agenda, tackling mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. 

He noted that while Africa has made progress in combating HIV and syphilis, the continent must now expand its efforts to include hepatitis B.

The message was relayed by Vice President Jessica Alupo on Monday while opening a three-day conference on behalf of the President at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The President urged African countries to work together to strengthen local manufacturing of vaccines, test kits, and essential medicines, promote African-led research and innovation, and boost domestic investment in health systems.

He also emphasized the need to explore innovative financing approaches and deepen partnerships across sectors, countries, and disciplines.

According to Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda has 1.5 million people living with HIV, with 37,000 new infections in 2024, and 4,700 of those being from vertical transmission. Additionally, 2.1% of the population have an active syphilis infection. Regarding Hepatitis B, 4.1% of adults and 0.6% of children have a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

In her remarks,  Aceng emphasized the importance of integrated services in achieving triple elimination. “The multiple entry points in receiving antenatal and maternal health services provide a unique opportunity for coordination and integration of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis interventions,” she said.

A representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), speaking on behalf of Dr. Muhammad Janabi, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the need for bold actions to achieve triple elimination. “What we need now is leadership, investment, and accountability. Africa has the talent, determination, and the vision to achieve triple elimination. And the time to achieve this is now,” the representative said

American Ambassador to Uganda William Popp also addressed the conference, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in achieving triple elimination. “The co-infection of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B presents a significant and interconnected public health challenge that demands a united front. Africa faces a major burden of these three infections, which can be transmitted in similar ways, particularly from mother to child, during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding,” Ambassador Pope said. 

Ambassador Popp also emphasized the role of the United States in supporting global health initiatives, particularly through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). “Through PEPFAR, the United States has dramatically contributed to global progress in ending HIV as a public health threat. Over the last 22 years, PEPFAR has saved over 25 million lives worldwide, including supporting 1.4 million people with HIV treatment here in Uganda,” he said. 

The Triple Elimination Conference in Africa is a groundbreaking event that aims to accelerate efforts toward the elimination of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis on the continent. 

The conference, hosted by Uganda, brings together high-level stakeholders, health experts, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to forge a collective path towards the elimination of these diseases. The conference is themed “Unifying Actions, Transforming Futures: Achieving Triple Elimination in Africa by 2030.”

It provides a platform for sharing scientific innovations, policy commitments, and best practices in the fight against HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis. The conference is jointly organized by the African Union Commission, Ministry of Health of Uganda, Africa CDC, WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, AUDA-NEPAD, PATH, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the National Organisation for People Living with Hepatitis B, among others.