Maldives Leads the World by Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis, HIV and Syphilis

For the first time, the Maldives has made public health history for achieving triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of three deadly diseases - Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, syphilis,

and hepatitis B. The feat has also been lauded by the World Health Organisation. The island-nation was first validated by the WHO in 2019 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, and hepatitis B has now been added, completing the full ‘triple elimination’ milestone. “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,” he said, congratulating the nation. According to experts, mother-to-child transmission leads to infections that affect millions worldwide and cause fatalities in young children. In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, data estimates indicate that in 2024, nearly 25,000 pregnant women had syphilis and around 8000 infants were born with it. Syphilis is a chronic bacterial disease that is contracted mostly by infection during sexual intercourse, but also congenitally by infection of a developing fetus. Also, more than 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect over 40 million people in the region.

What does triple elimination mean?

The triple-elimination initiative was launched by the WHO as part of a unified strategy to end MTCT of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B. It integrates HIV, STI, immunisation, and maternal health services, and mostly the focus lies on people-centered care that helps ensure every woman and child receives essential support.] Antenatal screening and treatment of the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine forms an important part of that. However, experts say it is important to note that elimination does not mean zero cases forever - but that transmission has fallen to very low, sustainable levels backed by strong testing, treatment, and surveillance systems.

The Maldives has a strong immunisation system

With an extremely strong immunisation system - with over 95 per cent of newborns consistently receiving a timely dose of hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccine coverage – the Maldives ensures protecting infants from lifelong infections. And so, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023.