The Republic of Maldives has secured a historic global milestone, becoming the inaugural nation to receive official certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of three critical infections: HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B (HBV). This landmark achievement was formally validated on October 13, 2025, marking the pinnacle of years of dedicated, focused investment in maternal and child health initiatives.
The official certification ceremony took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, coinciding with the 78th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, highlighted the profound significance of this precedent. He stated that the Maldives’ success offers tangible hope and inspiration to all countries striving toward similar objectives, particularly in light of the ambitious global triple elimination target set for 2030. This outcome powerfully demonstrates how targeted national strategy and sustained investment in public health infrastructure can fundamentally reshape global health metrics.
The journey toward this comprehensive status began earlier, as the Maldives had already earned WHO recognition in 2019 for eradicating the MTCT of HIV and syphilis. The current validation expanded upon that success by incorporating Hepatitis B. The core strategy hinged on implementing universal screening protocols during pregnancy and ensuring mandatory vaccination for all newborns immediately after birth. His Excellency Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Maldives Minister of Health, conveyed immense national pride regarding this confirmation, emphasizing that it reflects the country's unwavering commitment to safeguarding future generations.
The Maldivian healthcare system has proven its exceptional capacity for integration and ensuring equitable access across its dispersed islands. Remarkably, over 95 percent of expectant mothers receive comprehensive antenatal care, which includes mandatory testing for all three specified infections. Furthermore, every newborn receives the crucial Hepatitis B vaccine dose within the first 24 hours of life. These robust measures have successfully maintained a record of zero new cases of pediatric HIV and congenital syphilis between 2019 and 2023. The conclusive evidence required to include HBV in the elimination program came from a 2023 school serological survey, which confirmed the complete absence of Hepatitis B cases among the nation's children.
This monumental triumph underscores that even nations facing significant geographical challenges, such as island fragmentation, can establish a resilient, high-quality health system that leaves no resident behind. Crucially, free diagnostic and preventive services are extended even to migrant populations. While the Maldives celebrates this achievement, the broader context of the South-East Asia region remains challenging. Preliminary 2024 estimates suggest that over 23,000 pregnant women in the region were affected by syphilis, and approximately 25,000 HIV-positive mothers required treatment to prevent transmission. By prioritizing proactive, preventative measures, the Maldives has provided a compelling blueprint for achieving measurable and life-saving public health outcomes.