In a significant public health milestone, the governments of Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott's Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a World Health Organization (WHO)-prequalified integrated diagnostic test, as part of renewed efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

The move is expected to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services by enabling healthcare providers to detect multiple infectious diseases through a single screening process during pregnancy. Public health experts believe the adoption of integrated testing solutions could play a critical role in reducing preventable infant infections and improving maternal health outcomes across the continent.

The initiative aligns with global health targets aimed at ending vertical transmission—the transmission of infections from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Health authorities in Seychelles and Eritrea announced the adoption of Abbott's Determine Antenatal Care Panel, an innovative diagnostic platform that allows healthcare workers to screen pregnant women for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B simultaneously.

The integrated test has received prequalification from the World Health Organization, meaning it has met international standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness.

By consolidating multiple screenings into a single testing process, healthcare systems can improve early detection rates, accelerate treatment interventions, and reduce the risk of transmitting infections to newborns.

Officials say the technology will help expand access to comprehensive antenatal care, particularly in settings where healthcare resources may be limited.

 The Global Burden of Mother-to-Child Transmission

Mother-to-child transmission remains one of the major public health challenges in many developing countries.

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, infectious diseases such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B can be passed from pregnant women to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

According to global health data:

• HIV transmission can occur before, during, or after birth.
• Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or congenital infection.
• Hepatitis B can be transmitted during childbirth and may lead to chronic liver disease later in life.

The World Health Organization has consistently advocated for routine antenatal screening as one of the most effective strategies for preventing these outcomes.

Why Early Detection Matters

Health experts emphasize that early diagnosis is crucial to preventing mother-to-child transmission.

HIV Prevention

When detected early, HIV-positive mothers can receive antiretroviral therapy, dramatically reducing transmission risks.

Syphilis Treatment

Syphilis can often be treated effectively during pregnancy using recommended antibiotic therapies, preventing severe complications.

Hepatitis B Control

Timely identification allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures, including newborn vaccination and medical follow-up.

Improved Maternal Health

Early diagnosis ensures mothers receive appropriate care and treatment, reducing health complications during pregnancy.

Understanding the Determine Antenatal Care Panel

The Determine Antenatal Care Panel developed by Abbott represents a new generation of integrated diagnostic tools.

Its key advantages include:

• Simultaneous testing for multiple infections
• Faster diagnosis and treatment decisions
• Reduced healthcare costs
• Improved efficiency in antenatal clinics
• Increased screening coverage
• Enhanced patient convenience

Public health specialists say integrated testing approaches can help health systems achieve better outcomes while optimizing limited resources.

WHO's Push for Integrated Maternal Healthcare

The World Health Organization has long advocated for integrated approaches to maternal and child healthcare.

Rather than conducting separate tests for individual infections, integrated diagnostic systems streamline healthcare delivery and improve access to essential services.

WHO's global strategy seeks to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of several infectious diseases by expanding:

• Antenatal screening
• Early diagnosis
• Preventive treatment
• Access to maternal healthcare
• Vaccination programmes
• Public health awareness

The adoption of WHO-prequalified technologies is considered an important component of achieving these objectives.

Public Health Significance for Africa

Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infections and other communicable diseases.

Despite significant progress over the past two decades, challenges remain in ensuring universal access to maternal healthcare services.

Experts believe the adoption of integrated testing solutions by Seychelles and Eritrea could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to strengthen disease prevention efforts.

Improved screening capacity may contribute to:

• Lower infant mortality rates
• Reduced maternal health complications
• Increased healthcare efficiency
• Better disease surveillance
• Enhanced public health outcomes

Reactions From Health Experts

Healthcare professionals have welcomed the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening maternal health services.

Medical Practitioners

Doctors say early diagnosis remains one of the most powerful tools for preventing newborn infections.

Public Health Specialists

Experts note that integrating testing services can improve healthcare delivery while reducing operational costs.

Maternal Health Advocates

Advocacy groups have praised efforts aimed at expanding access to quality antenatal care and protecting newborns from preventable diseases.

Progress in Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission

Several countries have made remarkable progress in reducing vertical transmission of HIV and other infections.

Through expanded screening, treatment programmes, and vaccination campaigns, some nations have successfully achieved or approached elimination targets established by international health organizations.

Health experts say sustained political commitment, adequate funding, and access to modern diagnostic technologies remain essential to maintaining progress.

Lessons for Developing Countries

The initiative by Seychelles and Eritrea highlights the growing importance of innovation in public health.

Countries seeking to strengthen maternal healthcare systems may benefit from:

• Expanding antenatal screening services
• Investing in integrated diagnostic technologies
• Improving healthcare worker training
• Strengthening vaccination programmes
• Increasing public awareness about maternal health

These measures can significantly reduce preventable infections and improve outcomes for mothers and children.

Health authorities in Seychelles and Eritrea are expected to integrate the diagnostic platform into existing maternal healthcare programmes and monitor its effectiveness in reducing transmission rates.

Public health experts will be watching closely to assess the impact of the initiative on antenatal screening coverage and disease prevention outcomes.

As global efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission continue, the adoption of innovative diagnostic tools represents an important step toward ensuring healthier pregnancies, safer births, and improved futures for children across Africa.

For many healthcare advocates, the development demonstrates how strategic investments in early diagnosis and preventive care can save lives and strengthen health systems for generations to come.