Maldives Achieves Historic ‘Triple Elimination’ of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B
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The World Health Institution (WHO) has validated the Maldives as the first nation globally to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, building on its prior validations for HIV and syphilis achieved in 2019. This unprecedented achievement marks a turning point in global public health and offers a model for other nations striving to protect future generations.
“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,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal.”
The Global Burden of Mother-to-Child Transmission
Mother-to-child transmission remains a significant public health challenge worldwide. Provisional estimates from the WHO South-East Asia Region indicate that in 2024 alone, over 23,000 pregnant women were living with syphilis, resulting in more than 8,000 infants born with congenital syphilis. Approximately 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million peopel in the region.
A Comprehensive Approach to Elimination
The Maldives’ achievement is rooted in a long-term, integrated strategy focused on comprehensive maternal and child healthcare. For years, the nation has prioritized universal health coverage, ensuring equitable access to quality care across its geographically dispersed islands, including for migrant populations. according to Dr.Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, “Maldives’ achievement is a testament to its unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage, to provide quality and equitable care across its dispersed islands to all, including migrants.”
Key components of this success include:
- Over 95% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care.
- Nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B during pregnancy.
- A robust immunization system with over 95% of newborns receiving a timely dose of the hepatitis B birth dose and completing the full vaccine series.
These efforts have yielded remarkable results. National surveys conducted in 2023 confirmed zero cases of hepatitis B among young children entering first grade, surpassing elimination targets. Furthermore, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in either 2022 or 2023.
Sustaining progress and Looking Ahead
The Maldives is not resting on its laurels.The nation plans to further strengthen its health system through several key initiatives,including integrating digital health information systems,expanding targeted interventions for vulnerable populations and migrants,enhancing engagement with the private sector,improving reporting mechanisms,and bolstering laboratory quality management.
The WHO will continue to provide technical support to the Maldives, ensuring the sustainability of these gains and advancing broader maternal, child, and adolescent health goals. “WHO is proud to have partnered with the Government of Maldives and will continue to provide technical support to sustain this achievement and ensure that every child across all the islands have a healthy future,” said Ms. Payden, WHO Representative to Maldives.
H.E Abdulla nazim Ibrahim, Minister of health, Maldives, emphasized the national pride associated with this validation. “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,” he stated. “Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, but also a pledge by the Government to our people that we will continue to invest in resilient, equitable and high-quality health services that leave no one behind.”
The Maldives’ success serves as a powerful example of how sustained investment in health systems, innovation, and community-based care can dramatically improve public health outcomes and pave the way for “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” for all.
