Maldives Makes History as First Country to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis

The World Health Organization has officially validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, while simultaneously maintaining its previous validation for HIV and syphilis elimination.

The Maldives has now become the first nation globally to achieve what WHO terms as 'triple elimination', marking a significant breakthrough in public health.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted this accomplishment stating, "The Maldives has demonstrated that with strong political commitment and continuous investment in maternal and child health services, it is possible to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of these life-threatening diseases and the suffering they cause."

He further noted that this historic achievement offers inspiration and hope to countries worldwide that are working toward similar goals.

Mother-to-child transmission of these infections affects millions of people globally. Within the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, provisional estimates for 2024 indicate more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, resulting in over 8,000 cases of congenital syphilis in infants.

Additionally, approximately 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million individuals in the region.

Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, praised the Maldives' achievement as evidence of its unwavering dedication to universal health coverage, providing equitable and high-quality care across its dispersed islands to all residents, including migrants.

Dr. Boehme described this milestone as an important step towards "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," aimed at improving maternal and newborn health by eliminating preventable deaths and prioritizing long-term well-being.

The WHO noted that the Maldives has developed an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child health over the years. More than 95 percent of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

The country also maintains a robust immunization system, with over 95 percent of newborns consistently receiving timely hepatitis B birth doses and complete vaccine coverage, protecting infants from lifelong infection.

As a result of these efforts, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023. A national survey conducted in 2023 confirmed zero hepatitis B cases among young children in first grade, surpassing elimination targets.

These accomplishments are supported by universal health coverage, which ensures free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. This system is reinforced by strong policies and a health investment exceeding 10 percent of the country's GDP.

Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Maldives' Health Minister, expressed pride in this validation, describing it as "a reflection of our nation's steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children, and future generations."

He added, "Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector but also a pledge by the government to our people that we will continue to invest in resilient, equitable, and high-quality health services that leave no one behind."