Maldives: First nation to achieve ‘triple elimination’ of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
- TPP
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
How Did Maldives Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B for the First Time in World History?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining its earlier validation (2019) for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis.This makes Maldives the first country in the world to achieve WHO ‘Triple Elimination’.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros called it a “historic milestone” and proof that strong political commitment and investment in maternal-child health can eliminate deadly diseases.
What Is ‘Triple Elimination’ and What Does WHO Validation Mean?
Triple Elimination means the country has successfully prevented mother-to-child transmission of:
HIV
Syphilis
Hepatitis B
WHO validation requirement includes:
Zero new infant cases for at least two consecutive years
Near-universal testing, treatment, monitoring, and birth-dose vaccination
Strong epidemiological surveillance
Universal access to maternal and child healthcare services
Maldives is the first-ever country to meet all three elimination criteria simultaneously.
Why Is Mother-to-Child Transmission a Major Global Public Health Concern?
Mother-to-child transmission leads to infections that affect millions of newborns globally. In the WHO South-East Asia Region (2024):
23,000+ pregnant women had syphilis
8,000+ infants were born with congenital syphilis
25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent HIV transmission
42 million people in the region continue to be affected by hepatitis B
Maldives’ triple elimination therefore sets an example for all developing nations.
How Did Maldives Achieve Triple Elimination?
Maldives’ success is built on universal health coverage, strong political will, integrated healthcare, and targeted interventions.
1. High Antenatal Care (ANC) Coverage
95%+ pregnant women receive antenatal care
Almost universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B
2. Strong Immunization System
95%+ newborns receive a timely hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours
Consistent full vaccination coverage
Zero hepatitis B infections detected in young children (national survey 2023)
3. Zero Transmission Indicators
0 babies with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023
Zero hepatitis B in first-grade children (2023)
4. High Investment in Health
Over 10% of GDP invested in health sector
Free vaccines, diagnostics, and antenatal care for all, including migrants
5. Strong Integrated Maternal & Child Health Programmes
Government-private partnership
Community-level outreach
Digital health improvements
WHO supported Maldives with technical assistance to strengthen diagnostics, reporting, and health system performance.
What Do WHO and Regional Leaders Say About The Achievement?
Dr Tedros (WHO DG) praised Maldives for proving that “elimination is possible.”WHO SEARO leadership highlighted that the achievement showcases:
Universal health coverage
Island-wide equitable care
Strong integration of maternal healthcare
Commitment to “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”
The Maldives Health Minister called it a “moment of immense national pride” and a promise to sustain high-quality, equitable healthcare.
How Will Maldives Sustain Triple Elimination in Future?
Maldives plans to:
Strengthen digital health information systems
Improve laboratory quality standards
Enhance migrant healthcare inclusion
Increase private sector and community-based engagement
Continue targeted interventions for high-risk groups
WHO will continue supporting Maldives to ensure long-term elimination.
What Is the Significance of Maldives Achieving Triple Elimination?
1. Global First
First and only nation validated by WHO for eliminating all three infections simultaneously.
2. Demonstrates Success of Universal Health Coverage
Free ANC, vaccination, and diagnostics for residents including migrants.
3. Shows Proof of Effective Health System Investment
Maldives invests over 10% of GDP in health — among the highest globally.
4. Offers a Model for Other Nations
Countries can now replicate:
Integrated maternal care
Universal testing
Timely hepatitis B birth dose
Strong surveillance systems
Maldives - Country Overview  Location
Capital: Malé Population: ~561,900 (2025 estimate) Official Language: Dhivehi State Religion: Islam Geographical Features
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Maldives’ achievement marks a global public health milestone, proving that even small island nations can eliminate life-threatening diseases through political commitment, universal health coverage, strong surveillance, and consistent maternal-child care.
It sets a powerful example for nations worldwide striving to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, paving the way for healthier generations and stronger health systems.
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