From 21-23 July 2025, health experts, government leaders, advocates and civil society convened in Kampala, Uganda for a landmark event: the first high-level continental meeting on the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Under the theme “Unifying Actions, Transforming Futures: Achieving Triple Elimination in Africa by 2030”, the meeting represented a powerful call for integrated, continent-wide solutions.

A major highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Africa Elimination of Vertical Transmission (AEVT) Plan, a strategic and accountability framework endorsed by the African Union Member States. Developed in partnership with the African Union Commission, World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) and key stakeholders, this plan marks a significant milestone in Africa’s health response positioning the continent to eliminate vertical transmission of these three infections while safeguarding maternal and child health.

EGPAF played a central role in this milestone effort. As a longstanding advocate and technical leader in the field, EGPAF contributed meaningfully to the development of the AEVT Plan and facilitated significant sessions at the conference. Notably, Rhoda Igweta, EGPAF’s Regional Director for Public Policy & Advocacy, led a scene-setting session on the shared benefits, global achievements and persistent gaps that remain in triple elimination efforts.

Africa REACH celebrates and will be an ardent champion of the implementation of the AEVT Plan. As a platform that amplifies African-led, African-owned solutions to end AIDS in children and adolescents, we see the AEVT Plan as a bold affirmation of Africa’s commitment to self-determined health systems that centre communities, especially women and children.

The launch of the AEVT Plan is a milestone, however the next steps will be to translate it into action.

Africa REACH remains committed to advocating for:

• Increased domestic investment in maternal and child health systems that integrate HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis services.
• Youth and community-led accountability mechanisms that track country progress and ensure no one is left behind.
• Strengthened political will to implement the AEVT Plan at national and subnational levels, with tailored approaches for pregnant women, adolescents and underserved populations.
• Partnerships with civil society partners and some FPG members, to sustain continental and national level action and demand.