landmark Achievement for Public ‍Health

In a landmark public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has‍ validated the Government of Maldives for ‍eliminating mother-to-child transmission​ (EMTCT) ​of hepatitis B. This builds upon ​the country’s earlier validation in 2019 for ‍EMTCT of both HIV and syphilis. This makes the Maldives the first country in the world to achieve ‘triple elimination’.

“Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, elimination of mother-to-child transmission of ⁢these deadly diseases, and the suffering they bring,‌ is possible,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal.”

The Impact of Mother-to-child Transmission

mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) leads to infections that affect millions worldwide. Without‍ intervention, these infections can ​have devastating consequences for infants, including chronic illness, disability, and even death.The WHO estimates that globally, approximately 160,000 children are born with HIV each year due to⁢ MTCT, ⁢despite significant progress in prevention efforts. Syphilis can lead to stillbirth, neonatal death, and congenital disabilities.Hepatitis B infection in infancy can result in chronic liver disease and ‍liver cancer later in ​life.

In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, provisional estimates indicate that in 2024, more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis and over 8,000 infants were⁢ born with ‌congenital syphilis. approximately 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission⁣ to their babies, while hepatitis B continues ​to‌ affect a significant number of pregnant women and their newborns.

The‍ Maldives’ ⁤success demonstrates ⁢that these outcomes are not unavoidable. ⁣The country’s comprehensive approach, including universal access to⁤ antenatal care, HIV and syphilis‍ screening, and hepatitis B vaccination, ⁤has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Sustaining Progress and Future Plans

Maldives will​ continue to strengthen its health system by integrating digital ‌health information, expanding targeted interventions for key populations ​and migrants, enhancing private⁢ sector engagement and reporting, and ⁤improving laboratory quality management.WHO will support Maldives to ensure sustained elimination efforts to advance progress ​for broader ​maternal, child, and adolescent health goals.