The Maldives has achieved a significant global health milestone, becoming the first country validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Maldives triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. This landmark public health success underscores the nation’s steadfast commitment to maternal and child health.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the Maldives, stating, “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.” This historic achievement offers hope and inspiration for countries worldwide striving for similar goals.
Achieving Maldives Triple Elimination
In 2019, the Maldives received its initial WHO validation for eliminating MTCT of HIV and syphilis. Building on this success, the country expanded its efforts to include hepatitis B prevention. Subsequently, it achieved and sustained high birth-dose vaccination coverage exceeding 95 percent. A national survey conducted in 2023 confirmed zero hepatitis B infections among young children entering the first grade of school, effectively surpassing elimination targets. Consequently, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023.
Strategies Supporting Maldives Triple Elimination
The Maldives’ success stems from an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child health. Over 95 percent of pregnant women receive antenatal care, which includes nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Furthermore, the country boasts a robust immunization system; more than 95 percent of newborns consistently receive a timely hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccine coverage, thus protecting infants from lifelong infection.
Universal health coverage plays a crucial role, guaranteeing free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. Strong policies and a substantial investment in health, exceeding 10 percent of the nation’s GDP, bolster this comprehensive support. Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, praised this achievement, calling it a testament to the Maldives’ commitment to universal health coverage and equitable care across its dispersed islands.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
Mother-to-child transmission of these infections affects millions globally. In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, provisional estimates for 2024 indicated that over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, and more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis. Moreover, approximately 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to impact over 42 million people in the region. The Maldives’ achievement thus serves as a powerful model.
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Maldives’ health minister, articulated immense pride in this validation, recognizing it as a reflection of the nation’s unwavering commitment to protecting mothers, children, and future generations. He further emphasized that achieving triple elimination signifies a governmental pledge to continue investing in resilient, equitable, and high-quality health services that leave no one behind. This historic feat marks an important step towards “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” by improving maternal and newborn health, ending preventable deaths, and prioritizing long-term well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does ‘triple elimination’ mean in the context of mother-to-child transmission?
A: Triple elimination refers to the validated elimination of mother-to-child transmission for three specific diseases: HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The Maldives is the first country globally to achieve this status, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.
Q2: How did the Maldives achieve this public health milestone?
A: The Maldives achieved this through a comprehensive approach including over 95% antenatal care coverage, nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B in pregnant women, and a strong immunization system ensuring over 95% of newborns receive the hepatitis B birth dose. Universal health coverage, offering free services and significant government investment in health, also played a crucial role.
Q3: What impact does the elimination of mother-to-child transmission have on public health?
A: Eliminating mother-to-child transmission prevents devastating infections that affect millions worldwide. It leads to healthier beginnings for children, reduces preventable deaths, and significantly improves long-term well-being for families and communities. It also showcases the effectiveness of sustained public health investments.
References
- Maldives first to achieve elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV,syphilis, hepatitis B – ETHealthworld
- Maldives becomes the first country to achieve ‘triple elimination’ of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B – World Health Organization (WHO)
- Maldives becomes first country in the world to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
- Maldives becomes 1st country to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B: WHO – The Tribune
- Maldives Becomes First to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hep B & Syphilis
- Maldives eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis – WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2019)
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