Although progress has been made in achieving maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination (MNTE), WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) noted at its October 2016, meeting that the 2015 goal for MNTE had been missed. Maternal and neonatal tetanus is still to be eliminated in 18 countries (Afghanistan, Angola, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Haiti, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Yemen).
Global commitment to reduce maternal and child mortality by focusing on underserved areas with lifesaving interventions is clear in the health-related SDGs, UHC agenda, Every Woman Every Child initiative, Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, and GVAP. Achieving and sustaining MNTE seems to be a politically attractive low-hanging fruit, yet MTNE must be prioritized to ensure that no mother or child is allowed to suffer from tetanus in the 21st century. JSI, 2017.
Authors: Craig Burgess, Francois Gasse, Robert Steinglass, Ahmadu Yakubu, Azhar Abid Raza, Kari Johansen.
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