Maldives becomes first country to achieve elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B while maintaining its earlier validation for HIV and syphilis, a historic milestone announced by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“The Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases, and the suffering they bring, is possible,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal.”

Mother-to-child transmission of infections affects millions worldwide.

In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, provisional estimates for 2024 indicate that over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, while more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis.

About 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, and hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people in the region, the WHO said.

Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, highlighted the Maldives’ commitment to universal health coverage.

“The Maldives' achievement is a testament to its unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage, to provide quality and equitable care across its dispersed islands to all, including migrants,” she said. “This landmark feat is an important step towards 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,' for improving maternal and newborn health by ending preventable deaths and prioritising long-term well-being. I congratulate Maldives and look forward to the country pioneering progress in many other areas, while sustaining these gains.”

Over the years, the Maldives has built a comprehensive approach to maternal and child health. More than 95 per cent of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Its immunisation system ensures that over 95 per cent of newborns receive timely hepatitis B birth doses and full vaccine coverage, protecting infants from lifelong infection.

As a result, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023.

A 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B among young children entering school, surpassing elimination targets.

These achievements are supported by universal health coverage, which guarantees free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants, backed by strong policies and health investment exceeding 10 per cent of GDP.

“This historic validation is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives and a reflection of our nation's steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children, and future generations,” said Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Maldives’ health minister. “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.”