In a landmark global public health milestone, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while reaffirming its previous validations (from 2019) for HIV and syphilis. This historic accomplishment 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 Regional and Global Burden
Mother-to-child transmission remains a major cause of infection worldwide. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, provisional 2024 estimates indicate that over 23,000 pregnant women were diagnosed with syphilis, leading to more than 8,000 congenital infections. Around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required preventive treatment for their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people across the region.
“Maldives’ achievement is a testament to its unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage, to provide quality and equitable care across its dispersed islands to all, including migrants,” said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office. “This landmark feat is an important step towards ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ for improving maternal and newborn health by ending preventable deaths and prioritizing long-term well-being. I congratulate Maldives and look forward to the country pioneering progress in many other areas, while sustaining these gains.”
Integrated Care and Universal Health Coverage Drive Success
Over the years, the Maldives has established a comprehensive and integrated maternal and child health framework. More than 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with near-universal screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The nation’s robust immunization program ensures that over 95% of newborns receive the hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccination coverage, protecting infants from chronic infections.
As a result, 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, surpassing WHO’s elimination benchmarks. These outcomes are strengthened by universal health coverage, guaranteeing free antenatal care, immunization, and diagnostic services for all—including migrants—supported by government investment exceeding 10% of GDP in health.
“This historic validation is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives and a reflection of our nation’s steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children and future generations,” said H.E Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health, Maldives. “Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, but also a pledge by the Government to our people that we will continue to invest in resilient, equitable and high-quality health services that leave no one behind.”
Partnerships Powering Progress
This achievement stems from strong collaboration between the government, private health providers, civil society, and international partners, ensuring coordinated action across screening, community outreach, and technical support systems.
“The Maldives’ triple elimination stands as a powerful example of how sustained investment in health systems, innovation, and community-based care can change the trajectory of public health,” said Ms Payden, WHO Representative to Maldives. “WHO is proud to have partnered with the Government of Maldives and will continue to provide technical support to sustain this achievement and ensure that every child across all the islands has a healthy future.”
Sustaining the Gains
Moving forward, the Maldives plans to further strengthen its health system by integrating digital health information platforms, enhancing laboratory quality management, expanding targeted interventions for key populations and migrants, and increasing private sector engagement. WHO will continue supporting the nation to sustain elimination and advance broader goals for maternal, child, and adolescent health.
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