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Maldives Makes History: First Nation Worldwide to Achieve 'Triple Elimination' of Mother-to-Child HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B



In a landmark public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) today validated the Maldives as the first country in the world to eliminate the mother-to-child transmission of three major diseases: HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. This monumental feat solidifies the island nation's status as a global leader in maternal and child health. The Maldives had previously achieved WHO validation for the elimination of HIV and syphilis transmission in 2019 and has now added the elimination of hepatitis B, thereby completing the "triple elimination." The news comes as an inspiration for the WHO South-East Asia Region, where millions are still affected by these preventable diseases. This extraordinary success is a testament to the nation's steadfast political will and sustained investment in universal health coverage (UHC). The Maldives allocates over 10% of its GDP to health, guaranteeing free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services to all residents, including migrants, across its geographically dispersed islands. The strategy relies on an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child care, which includes nearly universal testing of all pregnant women for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Furthermore, the country boasts a robust immunization system, with over 95% of newborns consistently receiving a timely dose of the hepatitis B birth vaccine and achieving full vaccine coverage, effectively protecting infants from lifelong infection.

The tangible results of these efforts are clearly reflected in the WHO validation data: no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023, and a 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B among young children in the first grade of school, successfully surpassing the WHO's stringent elimination targets. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the achievement, stating that this "historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal.” Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, praised the Maldives' unwavering commitment to providing quality and equitable care. Abdulla Nazim, Minister of Health for the Maldives, called the validation a moment of immense national pride, affirming the government's pledge to continue investing in "resilient, equitable and high quality health services that leave no one behind." The Maldivian government, with continued support from the WHO, is now focused on strengthening the health system further by integrating digital health information and expanding targeted interventions to sustain this historic public health gain for future generations.



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