Overview: A historic public health milestone
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives as the first country to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The achievement builds on the country’s earlier EMTCT validation for HIV and syphilis, awarded in 2019, and confirms that no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023. A 2023 national survey also found zero hepatitis B among first-grade children, underscoring the effectiveness of the Maldivian health system and its universal health coverage model.
The milestone is lauded by health leaders as a proof point that sustained political will, integrated health services, and equitable access can eliminate transmission of these preventable diseases from mothers to newborns.
What triple EMTCT means for the Maldives and beyond
Triple EMTCT signifies that pregnant women in the Maldives now have universal access to testing, timely treatment, and comprehensive maternal and child health services—without financial barriers. The country’s approach centers on universal health coverage, ensuring free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. By coupling routine prenatal screening with high-coverage vaccination and robust clinical care, the Maldivian health system has broken the transmission chain to newborns for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
Key factors behind success
- Integrated care model: Coordinated services across antenatal care, diagnostics, treatment, and immunization.
- High coverage: Over 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care; hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccination reach similarly high levels.
- Strong immunization program: Universal hepatitis B vaccination protects infants from lifelong infection.
- Policy and investment: Government health spending exceeds 10% of GDP, supporting free services for all residents and migrants.
Statements from health leaders
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the Maldives for showing that elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these diseases is achievable with sustained commitment. Dr Catharina Boehme, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office Officer-in-Charge, described the milestone as a stepping-stone toward healthier beginnings and hopeful futures for mothers and children in the region.
H.E Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Maldives Minister of Health, framed the achievement as not just a health victory but a pledge: continued investment in resilient, equitable, high-quality health services that leave no one behind. The success is the product of strong partnerships among government, private health providers, civil society, and international partners in screening, outreach, and technical support.
Looking to the future: sustaining the gains
To maintain EMTCT achievements, Maldives plans to expand digital health information systems, broaden interventions for key populations and migrants, improve private sector engagement, and strengthen laboratory quality management. The World Health Organization will continue technical support to ensure sustained progress in maternal, child, and adolescent health outcomes across the islands.
Why this matters globally
As a global health benchmark, the Maldives demonstrates that triple EMTCT is attainable with integrated health systems, political will, and cross-sector collaboration. The achievement provides a blueprint for other nations striving to end preventable mother-to-child transmissions and to improve lifelong health outcomes for children and families.
