In a groundbreaking public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated that the Maldives has eliminated mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining initial validation (2019) of EMTCT of HIV and syphilis. This makes the Maldives the first country in the world to achieve ‘triple elimination’.
“The Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, it is possible to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases and the suffering they cause,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration to all countries working toward the same goal.”
Mother-to-child transmission leads to infections affecting millions of people worldwide. In the WHO Southeast Asia region alone, preliminary estimates suggest that more than 23,000 pregnant women will have syphilis and more than 8,000 infants will be born with congenital syphilis in 2024. About 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, and hepatitis B continues to affect more than 42 million people in the region.
“The Maldives’ achievements are a testament to its unwavering commitment to universal health coverage to provide quality, equitable health care across its dispersed islands to all people, including migrants.” said Dr. Catharina Boehme, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Southeast Asia. “This groundbreaking achievement is an important step towards ‘Healthy Starts, Hopeful Futures’ to improve maternal and newborn health by ending preventable deaths and prioritizing long-term well-being. We congratulate the Maldives and look forward to maintaining these achievements while making pioneering advances in many other areas.”
Integrated health, universal health coverage, and partnerships drive historic success.
Over the years, the Maldives has built an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child health. More than 95% of pregnant women receive prenatal care and almost universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The country also has a strong immunization system, with more than 95% of newborns consistently receiving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth in a timely manner and receiving full vaccination, protecting infants against lifelong infections. As a result, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023, and the 2023 national survey identified zero cases of hepatitis B among young children (first year of school), exceeding the elimination target. These achievements are underpinned by universal health coverage that covers free prenatal care, vaccines and diagnostic services for all residents, including immigrants, through strong policies and investments of over 10% of GDP in the health sector.
HE Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health of the Maldives, said: “This historic confirmation is a moment of tremendous pride for the Maldives and a reflection of our country’s unwavering commitment to protecting mothers, children and future generations.” “Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, it is also a commitment from the Government to the people to continue to invest in resilient, equitable and high-quality health services that leave no one behind.”
This milestone reflects the strong partnership between governments, private health providers, civil society and international partners collaborating on testing, services, outreach and technical assistance.
Ms Payden, WHO Representative to the Maldives, said: “The Maldives’ triple elimination is a powerful example of how sustained investments in health systems, innovation and community-based care can change the trajectory of public health. WHO is proud to work with the Government of the Maldives to maintain these achievements and ensure that every child on every island is healthy. “We will continue to provide technical support to help you enjoy your future.”
Continuous development for the future
The Maldives will continue to strengthen its health system by integrating digital health information, scaling up targeted interventions for key populations and migrants, strengthening private sector participation and reporting, and improving laboratory quality management. WHO will support Maldives to ensure continued elimination efforts to achieve broader maternal, child and adolescent health goals.
Related links:
WHO (October 13, 2025)
