The objective of the EMTCT-plus initiative is to achieve and sustain the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, Chagas, and perinatal hepatitis B (HBV) as a public health threat. It embraces the principles and lines of action of the Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage [2], building upon the lessons learned from the PAHO 2010 Strategy and Plan of Action for the EMTCT of HIV and Congenital Syphilis.

This is the first global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis, a strategy that contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It covers the first six years of the post-2015 health agenda, 2016–2021, building on the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis Infection: Framework for Global Action, and on two resolutions on viral hepatitis adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2010 and in 2014.

This document reports the progress made in the Americas towards the EMTCT of HIV and syphilis between 2010 and 2017. It is the first Regional report regarding elimination of mother-to-child and early childhood transmission of hepatitis B and congenital Chagas disease.

The Plan of Action will address hepatitis A, B, and C, with special emphasis on hepatitis B and C given their multiple potential negative outcomes (hepatitis D will be addressed along with hepatitis B).

The group of viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E) that cause acute and/or chronic infection and inflammation of the liver gives rise to a major public health problem globally. 

The viral hepatitis occupies a prominent place among communicable diseases because of the large number of infected individuals who face the complications and negative outcomes of the disease.