In July 2022, ASHM launches the Supporting Triple Elimination in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste (STEPT) project with the goal of reducing parent to child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis in selected antenatal care (ANC) clinics in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste.

Both PNG and Timor-Leste have identified challenges in the provision of universal HIV and syphilis testing and treatment services in ANC, as well as significant gaps in the delivery of timely hepatitis B (HBV) birth dose vaccination. As a result, the STEPT project will work collaboratively with in-country partner organisations to strengthen the existing triple elimination response by building the confidence and competence of health workers to test for and treat HIV and syphilis, and promote hepatitis B birth dose vaccination for infants in selected ANC facilities. Activities have been co-designed with in-country collaborating organisations and include:

– Training and knowledge exchange forums between the two countries

– Developing and delivering a triple elimination training program to be delivered at selected antenatal care facilities in both countries

– The selection and training of senior health workers from each identified ANC facility to become triple elimination mentors, and,

– Supporting partner organisations to strengthen existing monitoring and surveillance systems to promote quality reporting of triple elimination service delivery.

By working in collaboration with in-country organisations and aligning the project with World Health Organisation (WHO) regional guidance and national strategies, the STEPT project will contribute to strengthening health systems for sustainable practice change and advancement in triple elimination.

The STEPT project is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and ASHM Members.