As part of Guinea’s strategy for the triple elimination of hepatitis B (HBV), syphilis, and HIV, the project aims to improve access to care and treatment for pregnant women and newborns, while considering gender dynamics in social relations.
Context
Global health strategies for 2016-2021 aim to eliminate mother-to- child transmission of HIV by 2020 (UNAIDS) and of HBV and syphilis by 2030. Despite global progress and available tools, countries like Guinea remain vulnerable due to high prevalence rates of these diseases and fragile health systems. In Guinea, the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and HBV among pregnant women is 1.5%, 0.5%, and 10.2%, respectively. The national differentiated screening strategy, which includes screening pregnant women and exposed children and recommends combined screening for syphilis and HIV, is poorly implemented (4.8%). Furthermore, WHO’s recommendation for HBV vaccination at birth has yet to be integrated into a national strategy and is therefore ineffective.
Description
Aligned with the triple pandemic elimination strategy, the project seeks to foster political and social change to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HBV, syphilis, and HIV in Guinea, along with the associated morbidity and mortality among mothers and children. To achieve this, the project focuses on improving healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns in the Boké prefecture, while incorporating a gender perspective. A key innovation of the project is the introduction of the HBV vaccine at birth, both in health facilities and at home, through strengthened community engagement.
Impact
Nearly 24,654 pregnant women and newborns will benefit from the project, with 80% receiving combined HIV and syphilis screening, amounting to 22,189 people. Additionally, 621 women will receive syphilis treatment following a positive test, and 843 will receive antiretroviral therapy following a positive HIV test. A total of 29,228 newborns will be targeted, including 24,654 in Boké prefecture health centers and 4,574 through community activities.
