Maldives Becomes First Country in the World to Achieve ‘Triple Elimination’ of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
Malé, Maldives:
In a historic global health milestone, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated the Maldives as the first country in the world to achieve ‘triple elimination’ of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
The achievement marks a significant public health victory for the island nation, which had previously been validated in 2019 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. The latest validation confirms the country’s success in also eliminating hepatitis B transmission from mothers to their babies.
“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. “This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal.”
A Global Health Milestone
Mother-to-child transmission remains a major global health challenge. Across the WHO South-East Asia Region, provisional 2024 estimates suggest that more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, resulting in over 8,000 infants born with congenital syphilis. Meanwhile, around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmitting the virus to their babies, and hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people in the region.
Against this backdrop, Maldives’ accomplishment stands out as a model for the world.
“Maldives’ achievement is a testament to its unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage and equitable care across its dispersed islands,” said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office. “This landmark feat is an important step towards ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ ensuring that every mother and child has access to quality health services.”
Integrated Care and Universal Health Coverage Drive Success
The Maldives’ success story is rooted in its integrated and comprehensive maternal and child health system. Over 95% of pregnant women in the country receive antenatal care, with near-universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
The nation also boasts a strong immunization program, ensuring that over 95% of newborns receive a timely hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccination coverage. These efforts have led to zero babies born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023, and a 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B among first-grade schoolchildren—surpassing global elimination targets.
Crucially, these achievements are supported by universal health coverage (UHC), guaranteeing free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. The Maldives government invests over 10% of its GDP in health, reflecting a deep commitment to public well-being.
“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. “Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector but a pledge to continue investing in equitable, high-quality health services that leave no one behind.”
Partnerships and Continued Commitment
The triple elimination milestone was made possible through strong partnerships among government agencies, private healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and international partners. These collaborations strengthened screening, community outreach, and technical capacity nationwide.
“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,” said Ms Payden, WHO Representative to Maldives. “WHO is proud to have partnered with the Government of Maldives and will continue to support efforts to sustain this achievement.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Progress
Building on this success, Maldives plans to further strengthen its health system through:
- Digital health information integration
- Targeted interventions for key populations and migrants
- Enhanced private sector engagement and reporting
- Improved laboratory quality management
WHO will continue to work with the Maldives to sustain its elimination status and advance broader goals for maternal, child, and adolescent health.
The Maldives’ landmark achievement underscores the transformative power of universal health coverage, political will, and collaboration, setting a global benchmark for eliminating preventable diseases and ensuring healthy beginnings for future generations.
