Maldives has made history by becoming the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, according to an announcement made today by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This milestone is a major advancement in public health and maternal care. The WHO had previously certified the Maldives in 2019 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, and has now confirmed the same success for hepatitis B.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the Maldives for its sustained investment in maternal and child health and praised the country’s strong political will to protect mothers and newborns.

Maternal infections continue to be a global challenge. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, over 23,000 pregnant women were diagnosed with syphilis and 25,000 women living with HIV required treatment last year. Hepatitis B affects more than 42 million people in the region.

The WHO attributed the Maldives’ success to its strong healthcare system and commitment to universal access. Over 95 percent of pregnant women in the Maldives receive antenatal care and are tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Additionally, more than 95 percent of newborns are vaccinated against hepatitis B immediately after birth. No cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV or syphilis were recorded in 2022 and 2023.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu celebrated the achievement in a post on X, expressing heartfelt gratitude to healthcare workers, community members and partners for their dedication.

“This is a remarkable achievement,” President Dr Muizzu said, highlighting the Maldives’ commitment to safeguarding the health of mothers and children across the nation.