Under the new programme, pregnant women attending maternal clinics across the country will be screened for Hepatitis B in addition to the existing tests for HIV and syphilis. Blood testing will be carried out at all maternal healthcare clinics island-wide.
Sri Lanka has successfully implemented a Dual Elimination Programme for several years, focusing on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis through routine screening of expectant mothers. In recognition of these achievements, the country received certification from the World Health Organization in 2019 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of both diseases.
Health authorities noted that Sri Lanka has continued to maintain these public health standards and has received further recognition from the WHO for sustaining its achievements.
The introduction of Hepatitis B screening marks the next phase of the country's maternal and child health strategy, aimed at further reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission and improving health outcomes for mothers and newborns.
According to the Ministry of Health, the Triple Elimination Programme is now being implemented at maternal clinics throughout the island.
