Maldives achieves world-first triple EMTCT 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 validation confirms that the country has sustained EMTCT for HIV and syphilis since 2019 and now meets the criteria for hepatitis B EMTCT as well. This historic achievement signals a major turning point in global efforts to eradicate transmissions that affect millions of children worldwide.
What triple EMTCT means in practice
Triple EMTCT means that in the Maldives, mothers and newborns are protected from the risk of transmitting HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postnatal period. The achievement reflects coordinated actions across antenatal care, testing, vaccination, treatment, and follow-up, backed by a health system designed to reach all segments of the population including migrants and residents scattered across the islands.
Key factors behind the success
Several interlocking strategies propelled the Maldives to this milestone:
- Integrated maternal and child health services: Nearly universal access to antenatal care with routine testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, coupled with strong immunization systems that ensure newborns receive timely hepatitis B birth doses.
- Universal health coverage: Free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants, supported by policies that allocate more than 10% of GDP to health.
- Quality diagnostics and data: Robust laboratory services and data-driven monitoring helped detect and prevent transmissions, while national surveys tracked progress toward elimination targets.
- Strong political will and partnerships: Collaboration among government ministries, private health providers, civil society, and international partners ensured sustained investment and technical support.
Recent milestones and ongoing vigilance
In 2022 and 2023, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis, and a 2023 national survey showed zero hepatitis B among young children in the first grade. These outcomes underscore the efficacy of the Maldives’ approach and its commitment to universal health coverage and equitable care. WHO and local health authorities emphasize that maintaining these gains requires continued investment, digital health information systems, and targeted outreach to key populations and migrants.
Statements from health leaders
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the Maldives for showing that political will and sustained investment can eliminate mother-to-child transmission of deadly diseases, offering a model for other nations. Dr Catharina Boehme, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, highlighted the milestone as a step toward healthier beginnings and hopeful futures for mothers and children. Maldivian Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim framed the achievement as a pledge to continue building resilient, equitable health services that leave no one behind.
Looking ahead
With EMTCT now achieved for all three infections, Maldives plans to strengthen its health system by advancing digital health records, expanding targeted interventions for migrants and key populations, enhancing private sector engagement, and improving laboratory quality management. WHO will continue technical support to sustain the triple elimination status and to drive broader maternal, child, and adolescent health goals across the archipelago.
