Daijiworld Media Network – Male
Male, Oct 14: In a landmark global health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, adding to its earlier success in eliminating HIV and syphilis. This makes the island nation the first 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 these deadly diseases is possible,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries worldwide.”
Mother-to-child transmission remains a major global challenge, affecting millions annually. In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, estimates for 2024 suggest over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis and 25,000 HIV-positive women required treatment to prevent infection in their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect more than 42 million people.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, praised the nation’s commitment. “Maldives’ achievement is a testament to its dedication to universal health coverage and equitable care, ensuring healthy beginnings and hopeful futures,” she said.
Over the years, the Maldives has built an integrated maternal and child health system ensuring that more than 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care with universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The nation’s robust immunization programme ensures over 95% of newborns receive the hepatitis B birth dose, achieving full vaccine coverage. No babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023, while a 2023 survey confirmed zero hepatitis B cases among schoolchildren.
“This validation is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives and reflects our commitment to protecting mothers and children,” said H.E. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health. “Achieving triple elimination is not just a milestone but a promise to continue investing in quality healthcare for all.”
WHO Representative to Maldives, Ms. Payden, lauded the collaboration that made this success possible. “This achievement shows how investment in strong health systems and community-based care can change public health outcomes,” she said.
Looking ahead, Maldives aims to sustain this progress through digital health systems, stronger partnerships, and enhanced outreach, with continued WHO support to ensure every child across its islands begins life disease-free.