Maldives First to End Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hep B, Syphilis

In a historic public health breakthrough, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. The announcement, confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2025, represents a global milestone in the fight against infectious diseases affecting newborns and pregnant women.

What Triple Elimination Means

Triple elimination refers to the successful and sustained prevention of vertical (mother-to-child) transmission of,

1. HIV – the virus that causes AIDS
2. Hepatitis B (HBV) – a viral liver infection
3. Syphilis – a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can cause severe fetal complications if untreated

Validation by WHO confirms that a country has met rigorous public health, clinical, and statistical criteria showing consistent prevention and control of these diseases in pregnant women and infants.

WHO Validation & Global Recognition

• The WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Maldives for its leadership and dedication to maternal and child health.
• He highlighted that this accomplishment reflects how strong health systems, universal screening, and treatment coverage can lead to elimination of diseases at the national level.
• Dr Tedros said this achievement “sets a powerful example for other nations,” especially in the South-East Asia region, where over 42 million people live with hepatitis B, and around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women need transmission-prevention services.

How Maldives Achieved It

• Antenatal Coverage: Over 95% of pregnant women in the Maldives receive antenatal care, a cornerstone for disease screening and intervention.
• Universal Testing: Nearly all expectant mothers are tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B as part of routine pregnancy checkups.
• Early Treatment Access: Women diagnosed with any of the infections are provided timely treatment to prevent transmission to the fetus.
• Immunization Programs: Newborns are vaccinated against hepatitis B within 24 hours of birth, greatly reducing infection risk.
• Health System Strengthening: Strong record-keeping, outreach, public education, and skilled healthcare providers have ensured consistent implementation across the island nation.

Global Significance & Replicability

The Maldives’ achievement provides a blueprint for other nations aiming to eliminate these diseases,

• Prioritize universal antenatal testing
• Ensure early and sustained treatment
• Expand birth-dose vaccination programs
• Foster community health education
• Leverage public health data systems to track outcomes

Countries with smaller populations or high healthcare access may especially benefit by adapting Maldives’ approach.