Maldives Eliminates Mother-to-Child Transmission of Three Diseases

October 14, 2025 Dr. Jennifer Chen Health

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Maldives Achieves Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B

Table of Contents

What Happened?

On February 29, 2024, the World Health Institution (WHO) validated the Maldives as the first country globally to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The Maldives previously achieved validation for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis in 2019 (WHO, 2024). This “triple elimination” represents a significant public health milestone.

image of the Maldives Islands
The Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, has demonstrated a commitment to universal health coverage.

The Importance of EMTCT

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a major route of infection for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. These infections can have devastating consequences for infants, including chronic illness, disability, and death. Preventing MTCT is a cornerstone of global health efforts to improve maternal and newborn health.

According to WHO estimates for 2024, the WHO South-East Asia Region faces significant challenges: over 23,000 pregnant women have syphilis, leading to more than 8,000 cases of congenital syphilis. Approximately 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women require treatment to prevent transmission, and hepatitis B affects over 42 million people in the region (WHO, 2024). The Maldives’ success offers a model for other countries in the region and beyond.

How the maldives Achieved Triple Elimination

The maldives’ achievement is attributed to strong political commitment, sustained investment in maternal and child health services, and a focus on universal health coverage. Key strategies included:

  • Antenatal Screening: routine screening of all pregnant women for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
  • Treatment and Prevention: Providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to HIV-positive pregnant women, penicillin treatment for syphilis, and hepatitis B immunization and antiviral therapy when indicated.
  • Safe Delivery Practices: Ensuring safe delivery practices to minimize the risk of transmission during childbirth.
  • Infant Immunization: Providing hepatitis B vaccination to all infants shortly after birth.
  • Accessibility: Delivering quality and equitable care across the Maldives’ dispersed islands, including to migrant populations.

Dr. Catharina

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