Seychelles Launches Triple Diagnostic Test to Eliminate Mother to Child Disease Transmission
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Health Minister Marvin Fanny has officially launched the Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a World Health Organisation-recommended diagnostic test enabling simultaneous screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, positioning Seychelles among the first African nations to introduce this integrated approach toward eliminating mother-to-child disease transmission.
The launch at Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa marked the commencement of a Training of Trainers programme for healthcare professionals. Seychelles becomes the first small island developing state and among the first countries in eastern and southern Africa to introduce the triple test panel, according to health authorities.
Despite progress in maternal and child health, mother-to-child transmission remains a public health concern. In 2024, Seychelles recorded ninety-five new HIV cases, twenty hepatitis B cases, and three hundred six syphilis cases. Health authorities say the Determine ANC Panel represents a major step forward in integrated antenatal care, reducing missed opportunities for prevention during pregnancy.
WHO resident representative Rex Mpazhanje praised Seychelles’ leadership, noting that timely quality-assured testing during pregnancy is the critical entry point for eliminating mother-to-child transmission. The panel enables simultaneous testing for all three infections in a single visit.
Sabrina Mousbe, representing Abbott which manufactures the test, highlighted rising syphilis cases since 2022 and stressed the goal of zero cases of transmission to babies. She also raised concerns about teenage pregnancies and the importance of involving male partners in testing.
The initiative positions Seychelles as a regional leader in public health innovation.
