West Bengal’s Triple Elimination Initiative for Infectious Diseases

April 1, 2025

Recently, West Bengal launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eradicating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B by 2026. This project, known as the ‘Triple Elimination’ initiative, is a collaborative effort involving the West Bengal government, the William J Clinton Foundation, and the World Health Organization. It represents step towards improving maternal and child health by addressing these infectious diseases together rather than in isolation.

Triple Elimination Initiative

The Triple Elimination initiative targets three infectious diseases that share similar transmission routes. These diseases can severely impact both mothers and infants, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The initiative aims to provide a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating existing disease control programmes for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis.

Implementation Strategy

The initiative began as a pilot project in April 2024 in four districts – Coochbehar, Rampurhat, South 24 Parganas, and Diamond Harbour. Following positive feedback, it expanded to all 23 districts by March 2025. The government formed a State Task Force and a Technical Advisory Group to oversee the project and ensure its success.

Screening and Treatment Protocols

Every pregnant woman is screened for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B during their anti-natal period. Those who test positive receive immediate treatment and counselling. The initiative guarantees that deliveries occur in medical institutions, minimising the risk of transmission during childbirth. Newborns of Hepatitis B positive mothers are administered the Hepatitis B Zero dose vaccine and an additional HBIG injection within 24 hours of birth.

Addressing Challenges

Accessibility to healthcare services has been challenge. The initiative has decentralised syphilis services from district hospitals to block levels, improving access for pregnant women. Additionally, HIV and Hepatitis positive deliveries are now managed at the block level, reducing the need for long-distance travel. A hyperlocal approach has been adopted to ensure prompt service delivery and to mitigate stigma.

Future Prospects

The success of the Triple Elimination initiative is viewed as a potential model for national implementation. With support from the National AIDS Control Organisation and the National Health Mission, experts believe that similar programmes could be developed across India to combat newborn infections related to these diseases.

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