Historic milestone: Maldives achieves triple EMTCT
The Maldives has achieved a landmark public health feat by being validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while continuing to hold its earlier EMTCT validations for HIV and syphilis since 2019. This makes the Maldives the first country in the world to attain a truly triple elimination, ensuring that newborns are protected from three of the most consequential infections.
“This is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives,” said H.E Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health. “Achieving triple elimination is not only a health milestone but a pledge to our people that we will continue investing in resilient, equitable, and high-quality health services for all.”
The WHO’s validation underscores the country’s sustained commitment to universal health coverage and strong maternal and child health programs. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough as a beacon of hope for other nations working toward similar goals.
What triple EMTCT means for Maldivian families
Triple EMTCT signifies that, with the right mix of screening, prevention, and treatment, mothers living with HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B can give birth to children who are free from these infections. In the Maldives, this outcome has been supported by nearly universal prenatal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, and by an immunization system that ensures newborns receive essential protection against hepatitis B at birth and through subsequent vaccines.
Records from recent years show a striking result: in 2022 and 2023, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in the country, and a 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B infections among first-grade school children. These outcomes reflect a coordinated strategy that connects antenatal care, vaccination, laboratory testing, and early treatment.
How the Maldives built a healthier future
The achievement rests on several core pillars. First, a robust commitment to universal health coverage guarantees free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. Second, a strong, integrated care model brings together public health, private providers, civil society, and international partners to deliver screening, treatment, and follow-up services across the dispersed archipelago.
With more than 95% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care and high rates of universal testing, the system ensures that infections are identified early and managed effectively. The birth dose of hepatitis B is administered to a majority of newborns, contributing to long-term protection against chronic infection. These efforts are sustained by substantial health investment, with the Maldives allocating a significant portion of GDP to health care every year.
Looking ahead: sustaining elimination and improving health outcomes
The Maldives plans to reinforce its health system by expanding digital health information, extending targeted interventions for key populations and migrants, increasing private sector engagement, and strengthening laboratory quality management. WHO will continue supporting the country to maintain EMTCT status and to advance broader maternal, child, and adolescent health goals. The collaboration sets a model for how political will, policy coherence, and community engagement can drive meaningful public health gains.
Experts emphasize that the journey does not end with EMTCT validation. Maintaining this status requires continuous monitoring, sustained funding, and ongoing public health innovation—ensuring that every child has a healthy start and every family can access high-quality care when needed.
