Maldives becomes first country to end mother-to-child transmission of three deadly diseases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the Maldives as the first country in the world to achieve the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
The island nation had already received WHO validation for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis in 2019. With this year’s validation for hepatitis B, the Maldives now holds all three certifications, underscoring its enduring commitment to maternal and child health.
Congratulating the Maldives, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “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. This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal.”
Despite this achievement, challenges remain in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Provisional estimates for 2024 indicate that over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis, around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women require treatment to prevent transmission, and hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people in the Region.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, highlighted the Maldives’ accomplishment as a testament to its commitment to universal health coverage and equity. She emphasized that the country’s ability to provide high-quality care across its dispersed islands, including services for migrants, made this milestone particularly significant.
“Maldives’ achievement demonstrates its unwavering commitment to universal health coverage, delivering quality and equitable care across its islands to all, including migrants. This landmark feat is a vital step towards 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures', improving maternal and newborn health by ending preventable deaths and prioritizing long-term well-being,” she said.
The Maldives’ public health system has long prioritized comprehensive maternal and child care. More than 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with nearly universal screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The national immunization program ensures timely hepatitis B vaccination for over 95% of newborns. These initiatives resulted in zero reported cases of babies born with HIV or syphilis in both 2022 and 2023. A 2023 national survey also confirmed zero prevalence of hepatitis B among young children entering first grade, exceeding global elimination targets.
Under its universal health coverage program, the Maldives provides free antenatal care, diagnostic services, and vaccinations to all residents, including migrants. The government allocates more than 10% of GDP to health, reflecting its strong commitment to public well-being.
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim described the triple elimination validation as a moment of national pride. “This historic validation reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children, and future generations. Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, but also a pledge to continue investing in resilient, equitable, and high-quality health services that leave no one behind,” he said.
The achievement has been made possible through sustained collaboration between the government, private healthcare providers, civil society, and international partners, focusing on expanded access to screening, care, outreach, and health system strengthening with WHO technical support.
WHO Representative to the Maldives, Payden, noted, “The Maldives’ triple elimination demonstrates how sustained investment in health systems, innovation, and community-based care can transform public health outcomes. WHO is proud to have partnered with the Government of Maldives and will continue providing technical support to sustain this achievement and ensure every child across all islands has a healthy future.”
Looking ahead, the Maldives will continue strengthening its health system by integrating digital health solutions, expanding targeted outreach to key and migrant populations, enhancing private sector involvement, improving laboratory quality, and reinforcing surveillance and reporting. WHO will support these efforts to maintain elimination and advance broader maternal, child, and adolescent health goals.