In a remarkable milestone for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the Maldives for successfully eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B. This achievement comes alongside its previous validation in 2019 for the elimination of HIV and syphilis. With this, the Maldives proudly stands as the first country in the world to reach what’s known as ‘triple elimination.’
What Is Triple Elimination?
• Triple Elimination means a country has effectively prevented mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of three significant infectious diseases: HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, which pose serious risks to newborns around the globe.
• The WHO only grants validation to countries that report zero new infant cases for at least two consecutive years, backed by robust monitoring systems and universal maternal healthcare.
Achievements of Maldives:
- Global First: Maldives is the first nation ever to achieve WHO “triple elimination” status (HIV, syphilis & hepatitis B).
- Universal Maternal Health Coverage: Over 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care and are tested for all three infections.
- Immunization Success: Over 95% of newborns receive the hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours, ensuring early protection.
- Zero Transmission: Since 2022, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis, and 2023 surveys showed zero hepatitis B among children.
Key highlights:
- The World Health Organization has officially confirmed this achievement.
- Maldives was validated specifically for eliminating transmission of hepatitis B from mothers to their babies.
- According to WHO, around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women in the region need treatment to protect their babies.
- Hepatitis B still affects more than 42 million people in the region.
- In the Maldives, more than 95 percent of pregnant women receive antenatal care.
- Almost all pregnant mothers are tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
- Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said this reflects the nation’s strong commitment to maternal and child health.
