Maldives Achieves Historic Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Infections

In an unprecedented development for global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the Maldives as the inaugural nation to successfully eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, while also upholding its previous accomplishments in eliminating HIV and syphilis. This extraordinary feat positions the Maldives as the first to attain what WHO refers to as “triple elimination.”

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the Maldives for its unwavering political commitment and dedication to maternal and child health. “The Maldives has demonstrated that with decisive leadership and ongoing investment, it is feasible to eradicate these severe infections and alleviate the associated suffering,” he remarked. “This landmark achievement serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for nations globally.”

According to WHO statistics, infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B continue to impact millions worldwide. In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, preliminary estimates for 2024 indicate that over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis, and 25,000 HIV-positive mothers required treatment to safeguard their infants from infection. Hepatitis B remains a pressing public health concern, affecting over 42 million individuals in the region.

Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, praised the Maldives for its commitment to universal health coverage. “The achievement of the Maldives echoes its strong resolve to ensure equal and quality healthcare across its islands, guaranteeing that no one is overlooked,” she pointed out. “This milestone is a leap toward healthy new beginnings and promising futures for mothers and children alike.”

Over the years, the Maldives has established a comprehensive healthcare framework centered on maternal and child health. Greater than 95% of pregnant women in the nation receive antenatal care and undergo universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The country also maintains a solid immunization initiative, with over 95% of newborns receiving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, effectively preventing lifelong infections.

Consequently, no infants were born with HIV or syphilis during 2022 and 2023, and a national survey in 2023 confirmed a complete absence of hepatitis B cases among young children. These outcomes exceed global elimination objectives and underscore the nation’s remarkable public health infrastructure.

The success of the Maldives is underpinned by its universal health coverage policy, which guarantees free access to vaccines, antenatal care, and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. The government allocates more than 10% of its GDP to healthcare, reinforcing its enduring commitment to safeguarding public health.

Maldives Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim expressed his pride in the country’s accomplishments. “This historic recognition is a source of immense pride for our nation and reflects our persistent commitment to the health of mothers, children, and future generations,” he stated. “Achieving triple elimination is not just a milestone for our healthcare system but also a promise to continue delivering high-quality healthcare for everyone.”

The achievement of the Maldives serves as an inspiring example of how continuous investment, firm leadership, and access to universal healthcare can engender lasting change and eliminate preventable diseases for future generations.