Sign in Subscribe
Child health

Maldives Achieves Historic "Triple Elimination" of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a groundbreaking public health achievement, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis. This significant milestone was validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 13. The Maldives' achievement is a testament to its strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, demonstrating that elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases is possible.

Maldives has shown unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage, providing quality and equitable care across its dispersed islands to all, including migrants. The country's integrated care, universal health coverage, and partnerships have driven this historic success. Over 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The country's strong immunization system has also played a crucial role, with over 95% of newborns consistently receiving a timely dose of hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccine coverage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maldives is the first country in the world to achieve "triple elimination" of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
  • The country's strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health have made elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these diseases possible.
  • Maldives will continue to strengthen its health system by integrating digital health information, expanding targeted interventions, and enhancing private sector engagement to sustain its progress.
  • The country has built an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child health, with over 95% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care and nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
  • Maldives has a strong immunization system, with over 95% of newborns receiving a timely dose of hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccine coverage.
  • The country's universal health coverage guarantees free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants.
  • Maldives' achievement is a testament to its commitment towards universal health coverage, providing quality and equitable care across its dispersed islands to all, including migrants.

Statistics:

  • 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care in Maldives.
  • Nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B is conducted in Maldives.
  • 95% of newborns consistently receive a timely dose of hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccine coverage in Maldives.
  • 10% of Maldives' GDP is invested in health, supporting universal health coverage.
  • Over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2024.
  • Over 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2024.
  • About 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2024.
  • Hepatitis B affects over 42 million people in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Contify.com

Read more