In a major push to eliminate the transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B from mother to child, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), has launched an intensive training program aimed at empowering frontline health workers across the country.
This initiative is part of the broader Triple Elimination Agenda supported by the WHO globally, which seeks to end mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B — three preventable and treatable infections that continue to affect millions of women and children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A Step Forward for Maternal and Child Health
In March 2025, over 80 frontline healthcare workers from health facilities in Makeni and Bo districts participated in hands-on training sessions facilitated by WHO and MoHS. The workshops focused on building skills in *antenatal care (ANC), **early diagnosis, **treatment initiation, and *safe delivery practices — all vital components in preventing vertical transmission of these infections.
The training aimed to close gaps in service delivery, especially in the following areas:
- Ensuring routine HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B screening during antenatal visits.
- Immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive pregnant women.
- Safe labor and delivery protocols to prevent newborn infection.
- Follow-up mechanisms for testing and treating exposed infants.
A Health System Strengthened by Skilled Workers
Dr. Innocent Nuwagira, WHO’s Technical Officer for HIV, Hepatitis, and STIs in Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of a well-trained health workforce in achieving elimination goals:
“The success of any public health program hinges on the capacity of health workers. Through this initiative, we are not only equipping them with skills but also building confidence to deliver high-quality maternal and child health services,” he said.
Participants included *nurses, midwives, clinical officers, and *community health workers many of whom work in rural and under-resourced areas where the burden of maternal-to-child transmission is greatest.
Aligning with Global Elimination Goals
This initiative aligns with WHO’s global strategy to achieve triple elimination, which requires:
- 95% coverage of antenatal care,
- 95% testing coverage for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B,
- 95% treatment or intervention rates for positive cases.
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health has committed to scaling up efforts toward these benchmarks by integrating prevention services into routine maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) programs.
Dr. Mohamed Vandi, Director of Health Security and Emergencies at MoHS, noted:
“We are proud of the progress we’re making. This partnership with WHO helps us strengthen our frontline response and move closer to a future where no child is born with these preventable infections.”
A History of Commitment
The training follows a series of healthcare reforms and capacity-building initiatives in Sierra Leone, including the Epidemic-Ready Primary Healthcare program, which aims to enhance the country’s disease surveillance and outbreak response mechanisms. The combined effect of these programs is a more resilient, skilled, and responsive health system capable of addressing both endemic and emerging health challenges.
Looking Ahead
With continued support from WHO and other international partners, Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a model for integrated disease elimination strategies in West Africa. The MoHS has expressed plans to expand training to additional districts and improve supply chain systems for essential diagnostics and medications.
WHO has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s vision of a healthier future for women and children one where triple elimination is not just a goal, but a reality.
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