The Maldives has become the first country in the world to achieve the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, a historic public health milestone validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2025. This accomplishment reflects the Maldives' strong political will, sustained investment in maternal and child health, and its integrated approach to providing universal health coverage across its dispersed islands.
Historic Achievement and Global Significance
The WHO had previously validated the Maldives in 2019 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. Building on this, the country extended its focus to hepatitis B prevention and successfully attained sustained high birth-dose vaccination coverage, exceeding 95 percent. In 2023, a national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B infections among young children, surpassing elimination targets. The Maldives reported no babies born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023. This triple elimination achievement sets a powerful example for other nations, especially in regions heavily affected by these infections, providing hope and a blueprint for similar public health goals worldwide.
Key Strategies Behind Success
The Maldives' success stems from an integrated maternal and child health system characterized by:
Over 95% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care with nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
Free antenatal care, diagnostic services, and vaccinations guaranteed under universal health coverage for all residents, including migrants.
A strong immunization program ensuring timely hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination and full vaccine coverage for newborns, protecting infants from lifelong infections.
Substantial health investment exceeding 10% of the national GDP, supported by strong policies and dedicated health workforce.
Importance of Triple Elimination
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B affects millions globally, causing lifelong health issues and preventable infant deaths. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, provisional 2024 estimates indicate over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis, about 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment, and over 42 million people are living with hepatitis B. The Maldives' achievement thus marks a tremendous milestone towards ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths and ensuring healthier futures for generations to come.
Statements from Leaders
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the Maldives' commitment, emphasizing that its example demonstrates the possibility of eliminating these diseases through strong health systems and universal care. Maldives Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim expressed immense pride, describing the historic validation as a pledge for ongoing investment in resilient and equitable health services to protect mothers, children, and future generations.
This landmark achievement by Maldives illustrates that with political will, comprehensive health strategies, and universal care, countries can successfully eliminate the mother-to-child transmission of deadly infections and significantly improve maternal and newborn health outcomes globally.