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Maldives Becomes First Country to Achieve ‘Triple Elimination’ of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.

International | Dated: 16 Oct 2025

In October 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) validated the Maldives for Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, making it the first country globally to achieve the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. This milestone builds on Maldives’ earlier 2019 validation for HIV and syphilis elimination.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - No babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023, and a 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B cases among first-grade children. These results surpass global EMTCT elimination targets, reflecting successful maternal and child health interventions.
  • - Over 95% of pregnant women in the Maldives receive antenatal care, including near-universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Additionally, more than 95% of newborns receive timely hepatitis B vaccination along with complete immunization schedules.
  • - The Maldives provides free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services to all residents, including migrant populations, ensuring equitable access to essential health services and preventive care.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The health sector in the Maldives benefits from strong policy support and investment, with over 10% of the country’s GDP allocated to healthcare, contributing to robust infrastructure and effective disease elimination programs.
  • (ii) Achieving EMTCT requires meeting specific impact and process targets: HIV ≤50 new pediatric infections per 100,000 live births, syphilis ≤50 congenital cases per 100,000 live births, and hepatitis B HBsAg prevalence ≤0.1% (≤100 per 100,000 children), all of which Maldives has successfully met.
  • (iii) HIV weakens immunity and can pass from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Syphilis can cause severe congenital complications if untreated. Hepatitis B affects the liver and may lead to acute or chronic disease. Maldives’ success reflects effective control and prevention of these infections.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which country has recently become the first in the world to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B?

Correct Answer: Maldives

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Maldives

  • President : Mohamed Muizzu
  • Capital : Male