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

Strategic Insights -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives' achievement of eliminating the transmission of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis from mother to child, making it the first country in the world to achieve this milestone. This achievement is a testament to the country's strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health. "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," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maldives has become the first country in the world to achieve "triple elimination" of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis transmission from mother to child.
  • The country has built an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child health, with over 95% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care.
  • The country has a strong immunization system, with over 95% of newborns consistently receiving a timely dose of hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccine coverage.
  • TheMaldives' achievement is a result of universal health coverage, which guarantees free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants.
  • The country has invested over 10% of GDP in health and has a strong partnership between government, private health providers, civil society, and international partners.
  • The Maldives will continue to strengthen its health system by integrating digital health information, expanding targeted interventions, and improving laboratory quality management.

Statistics:

  • In 2024, more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis in the WHO South-East Asia Region.
  • Over 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis in 2024.
  • Around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies in 2024.
  • More than 42 million people in the WHO South-East Asia Region are affected by hepatitis B.
  • No babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023.
  • A 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B among young children (first grade of school).
  • The country has invested over 10% of GDP in health.

Sources:

  • Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO) press release, [no date mentioned]
  • World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Office
  • World Health Organization (WHO) [no URL mentioned]