South Sudan’s fight against the triple threat: Advancing action on HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B

(Photo Credit: World Health Organization [WHO])

Juba - Mrs. Jeba (a pseudonym used to protect her identity), a 24-year-old resident of Gudele suburb in Juba and a first-time mother, received an unexpected diagnosis during her pregnancy. During a routine antenatal care visit, she tested positive for hepatitis B but negative for HIV and syphilis. Despite the diagnosis, her child was successfully protected from all three infections, bringing immense joy to her family.

On the morning of 16 June, Mrs. Jeba visited Juba Teaching Hospital for antenatal care services, where she shared her experience. “I was tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, and I was found positive for hepatitis B. I did not have either HIV or syphilis. When I informed my family, the news was shocking to them,” she said. “I was constantly worried about the health of my baby at birth because of my status.”

Healthcare providers reassured Mrs. Jeba that, with appropriate care and adherence to medical advice, she could have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby free of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. They explained that the risk of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B could be reduced to very low levels through timely prevention, appropriate treatment where indicated, and careful follow-up throughout pregnancy and after delivery. “The midwife reassured me that I could have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. She explained that with proper prevention, the risk of transmitting hepatitis B to the baby can be reduced to very low levels,” she added.

The midwife informed the delivery team about Mrs. Jeba’s condition and emphasized that the newborn should receive the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth and complete the full vaccination schedule. She also stressed the importance of regular antenatal visits, laboratory monitoring, and adherence to prescribed medication. Additionally, Mrs. Jebel was advised that breastfeeding is safe and recommended.

Mrs. Jebel followed all the medical advice diligently. She was informed that if her baby tested negative for hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis one year after birth, it would confirm that the child was free from these vertically transmissible infections. This was indeed the case.

Mrs. Namadi Sylvia, a Clinical Officer at Juba Teaching Hospital and one of the health workers who cared for Mrs. Jeba, described her story as one of courage, joy, and fulfillment. She emphasized that the positive outcome was largely due to the mother’s commitment to her care and that of the unborn child. “This success was possible because of her positive attitude. She consistently attended follow-up appointments and adhered to her prescribed medication, which played a crucial role,” she noted. Quality antenatal care, early diagnosis and adherence to medical services can change lives indeed.

For Mrs. Jeba, who is the breadwinner of her family, this outcome has been life changing. “I am now motivated to have more children because with proper care and support, it is possible to protect my baby,” she said

Viral hepatitis remains a growing public health challenge. In 2024, it caused an estimated 1.3 million deaths globally, making it one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers. Of these deaths, hepatitis B (HBV) accounted for 1.1 million, while hepatitis C (HCV) contributed 242,000. In the same year, there were 1.8 million new hepatitis infections, including 900,000 new hepatitis B infections and 900,000 new hepatitis C infections.

South Sudan is among the countries with a high burden of hepatitis B. Hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV share common modes of transmission and can all be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Integrating prevention, testing, treatment, and follow-up services offers an efficient and cost-effective approach to protecting mothers and their newborns.

In late 2025, the Ministry of Health officially launched and started the expansion of Triple Elimination Initiative against HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B, demonstrating the country's commitment to protecting mothers and children from these infections. The initiative aligns with WHO and African regional frameworks aimed at ending vertical transmission and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The Government recognizes that preventing mother-to-child transmission is one of the most effective investments in the health and future of South Sudan's children. Through strengthened antenatal care services, routine testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B during pregnancy, timely treatment and prevention interventions, safe delivery practices, and follow-up care for mothers and infants, South Sudan aims to accelerate progress towards the elimination of these infections.

“The Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to providing political leadership, mobilizing resources, strengthening partnerships with development partners, civil society, and communities, and expanding awareness and service delivery across the country” said Dr Oromo Francis, Undersecretary of Health. The Government calls upon all stakeholders to work together to achieve the vision of healthy mothers, healthy children, and a generation free from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

“As we work to address this triple burden and ensure that every mother receives quality care and every child is born free from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, communities remain aware about their key role and that is seeking early treatment is very key.” Said Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan.

To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has intensified its support to the Ministry of Health. This includes high-level advocacy, integrating national strategies and guidelines for hepatitis, Syphilis and HIV programs through person-centred maternal and child health services as well as capacity building for health providers on new WHO tools. WHO also engages affected communities and civil society through awareness raising.

What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know About Hepatitis B - attend antenatal care early, get tested for HIV/syphilis/hepatitis B, deliver in a health facility, and ensure the baby receives the hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours where it is available. (We need to continue to advocate for it).

Source: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/south-sudan/news/south-sudans-fight-against-triple-threat-advancing-action-hiv-syphilis-and-hepatitis-b