8:45am - 11:30am [GMT]
23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2025), Accra, Ghana, and virtual
Session 1-2: The triple elimination agenda: Optimizing systems for the elimination of paediatric HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
09:45 – 11:30 GMT
Session 3: Addressing social and structural barriers that hinder access to vertical transmission prevention services
Thursday, 4 December 2025
08:45 – 09:30 GMT
In 2022, the World Health Organization launched the triple elimination initiative to leverage existing health platforms for the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. To advance this agenda, IAS – the International AIDS Society – will organize a series of sessions at ICASA 2025 to spotlight efforts to eliminate vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, share evidence and best practices, and engage stakeholders across disciplines.
In addition, to foster cross-country learning and collaboration, the IAS will award collaborative learning visit grants to two African country teams. These grants will provide opportunities to visit countries that have successfully implemented a successful vertical transmission prevention strategy or programme, enabling teams to exchange practical insights and strategies with peers in different settings.
A message from ViiV Healthcare:
Vertical transmission can be eliminated: Test & treat moms; prophylax & test babies
ViiV Healthcare is the only global pharmaceutical company solely devoted to combating HIV and is passionately working to eliminate vertical transmission of HIV (during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding). This mission reflects both a scientific commitment and a moral imperative to ensure every child has the chance at an HIV-free life. Vertical transmission remains one of the persistent challenges in the global HIV epidemic, especially in resource-limited settings where 90% of paediatric HIV cases occur. The tools exist to eliminate vertical transmission.
Key strategies for elimination include universal HIV testing during pregnancy, retesting in the third trimester and partner testing. Early detection enables timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy, which is critical for reducing maternal viral load and preventing transmission. Current antiretroviral medications have proven particularly effective in achieving rapid viral suppression, especially for pregnant individuals presenting late for care. Infant prophylaxis and repeat HIV testing are another critical strategy in the elimination of vertical transmission. Far too many infants do not complete the necessary testing to ensure they are HIV-free. The recent recommendation by the WHO for infant prophylaxis and breastfeeding counselling is another step forward in achieving elimination of vertical transmission.
ViiV recognizes that the key to tackling this lies in comprehensive access to treatment, testing and community-centred support. By developing dispersible tablets and age-appropriate dosages and providing voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers, ViiV works towards reducing barriers. The collective power of ViiV’s science, community engagement, and equity-based initiatives offers real hope for an AIDS-free generation. Their efforts align with achieving the UN’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. This unwavering focus on eliminating vertical transmission of HIV embodies a message of hope and action: no mother, child or community should be left behind in the response to HIV.
Thanks to the support of
