Integrated Fight Against Maternal Infections
West Bengal Launches ‘Triple Elimination’ Initiative to Combat Maternal-Child Infections : West Bengal has emerged as the first state in India to roll out a comprehensive ‘Triple Elimination’ program aimed at preventing the transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B from mothers to their newborns. Launched in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the William J. Clinton Foundation, this initiative represents a shift from disease-specific efforts to a combined approach that prioritizes maternal and newborn health through integrated screening and timely treatment.
Screening and Institutional Deliveries
Under this programme, all pregnant women are screened during the antenatal period for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B. Those who test positive are given immediate treatment and counselling, and deliveries are conducted only in institutional settings. For babies born to Hepatitis B-positive mothers, a Hepatitis B Zero Dose vaccine and HBIG injection are administered within 24 hours, significantly lowering transmission risk.
Decentralisation and Accessibility
To increase healthcare access, syphilis services have been moved from district hospitals to block levels. Even HIV and Hepatitis B-positive deliveries are now managed at block facilities, reducing travel barriers. This hyperlocal model not only improves response time but also reduces stigma by normalising care in community-level health facilities.
From Pilot to Statewide Rollout
The programme was piloted in April 2024 across four districts: Coochbehar, Rampurhat, South 24 Parganas, and Diamond Harbour. Encouraged by initial success, the West Bengal government scaled the initiative to all 23 districts by March 2025. Oversight is being managed by a State Task Force and a Technical Advisory Group, ensuring scientific rigour and effective service delivery.
National Model in the Making
Health experts suggest that the Triple Elimination initiative could serve as a blueprint for nationwide replication. With backing from NACO and the National Health Mission, there is optimism that India could achieve the global goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of these three major infections by 2030. The success in West Bengal reflects the power of coordinated care and targeted health policies.
Static GK Snapshot
West Bengal Launches ‘Triple Elimination’ Initiative to Combat Maternal-Child Infections :
| Feature | Details |
| Initiative Name | Triple Elimination Initiative |
| State Implementing It | West Bengal |
| Launched With | WHO, William J. Clinton Foundation |
| Started As Pilot In | April 2024 (4 districts) |
| Full Statewide Rollout By | March 2025 (all 23 districts) |
| Diseases Targeted | HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B (Mother-to-Child Transmission) |
| Key Infant Interventions | Hepatitis B Zero Dose + HBIG within 24 hours |
| Supervising Bodies | State Task Force, Technical Advisory Group |
| National Partners | NACO, National Health Mission (NHM) |
| Long-Term Goal | Eradicate perinatal HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B by 2026–30 |
