Maldives Becomes First to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hep B & Syphilis

Maldives has become the first country in the world to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. Maldives was currently validated by the World Health Organisation for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the achievement. 
 
 
According to the WHO about 25 thousand HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect more than 42 million people in the Region. In Maldives, over 95 per cent of pregnant women have received antenatal care, with nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.
 
 
Maldives Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim pledging to sustain the progress for the future and said this historic validation is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives. He said, it is a reflection of nation’s steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children and future generations.