In a landmark public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining its earlier validation from 2019 for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis. This makes the Maldives the first country in the world to achieve ‘triple elimination’. The announcement underscores the nation’s commitment to maternal and child health, offering hope to other countries aiming for similar milestones.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the Maldives’ accomplishment, stating, “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.”
Global Context of Mother-to-Child Transmission
Mother-to-child transmission leads to infections that affect millions worldwide. In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, provisional estimates indicate that in 2024, more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis and over 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis. Additionally, about 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect more than 42 million people in the region.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, emphasized the significance of the Maldives’ achievement. “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 prioritizing long-term well-being.”
Integrated Care and Universal Health Coverage
Over the years, the Maldives has developed an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child health. More than 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The country also boasts a robust immunization system, with over 95% of newborns consistently receiving a timely dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, protecting infants from lifelong infection.
“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 H.E Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health, Maldives.
These achievements are supported by universal health coverage, which guarantees free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. The government invests over 10% of its GDP in health, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health.
Partnerships and Future Prospects
This milestone reflects strong partnerships between the government, private health providers, civil society, and international partners, all working together on screening, services, outreach, and technical support. Ms. Payden, WHO Representative to Maldives, highlighted the significance of these collaborations. “The Maldives’ triple elimination stands as a powerful example of how sustained investment in health systems, innovation, and community-based care can change the trajectory of public health,” she said. “WHO is proud to have partnered with the Government of Maldives and will continue to provide technical support to sustain this achievement and ensure that every child across all the islands has a healthy future.”
Looking ahead, the Maldives plans to further strengthen its health system by integrating digital health information, expanding targeted interventions for key populations and migrants, enhancing private sector engagement, and improving laboratory quality management. WHO will continue to support these efforts to sustain elimination and advance broader maternal, child, and adolescent health goals.
