The global community has committed itself to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus (HBV) as a public health priority. The Triple EMTCT initiative focuses on a harmonized approach to improving health outcomes for mothers and children.

The term validation is used to attest that a country has successfully met the criteria for EMTCT of HIV, syphilis and HBV. WHO develops and regularly updates guidance on the criteria and processes for validation of EMTCT of HIV, syphilis and HBV. Since 2015, Member States have been able to apply for validation for achieving the reduction of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) to a level where it is no longer a public health threat or problem. In 2017, the Path to Elimination was introduced to recognize countries with high prevalence of maternal HIV, syphilis or HBV in their efforts to reduce MTCT.

Achieving validation of EMTCT is a tremendous national accomplishment, requiring country-led accountability, rigorous data analysis, intensive programme assessment and multilevel collaboration. Maintaining validation is equally important and requires sustained, broad programme efforts to prevent new infections in infants, children and adults. Through the validation process, WHO and partners continue to provide country support for strengthening health system capacity and comprehensive person-centered, integrated services that respect and protect the human rights of women living with any of the conditions, and to ensure that these women are meaningfully involved in health programme planning and service delivery.