Governance for the validation of elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus: an overview of validation structures and responsibilities at national, regional and global levels

Achieving validation of elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a tremendous accomplishment, requiring health ministry–led accountability, rigorous data analysis, intensive programme assessment and multilevel collaboration. This governance guidance outlines the standardized structures and processes used to validate EMTCT of HIV, syphilis and HBV at the national, regional and global levels. Replacing an earlier version published in June 2020 addressing EMTCT of HIV and syphilis, this revised governance document aligns with new information in the Global guidance on criteria and processes for validation: elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus, in which WHO sets criteria for validation of triple elimination.