In a landmark global health achievement, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining its earlier validation for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis. The milestone makes the Maldives the first country in the world to achieve the status of “triple elimination”.
His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu hailed the recognition as a “historic national triumph”, expressing appreciation to all health professionals, communities and partners whose dedication enabled the Maldives to reach this global milestone. In a message shared on his official X account, President Muizzu emphasised that the achievement, officially recognised and validated by WHO, reflects his government’s continued commitment to advancing public health and preventive healthcare across the nation.
“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.”
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B remains a major global health concern, affecting millions each year. In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, provisional 2024 estimates indicate that more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, and over 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis. Approximately 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women require treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect more than 42 million people in the region.
Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, said the Maldives’ success reflected its “unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage and equitable care across its dispersed islands”. She added: “This landmark feat is an important step towards ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ — improving maternal and newborn health by ending preventable deaths and prioritising long-term well-being.”
Over several decades, the Maldives has built a robust and integrated maternal and child health system. More than 95 per cent of pregnant women now receive antenatal care, with near-universal testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. The country’s immunisation programme also remains one of the strongest in the region, with over 95 per cent of newborns receiving the hepatitis B birth dose on time, alongside full vaccine coverage.
As a result, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 or 2023, while a 2023 national survey confirmed zero prevalence of hepatitis B among first-grade schoolchildren — surpassing global elimination targets. These achievements have been sustained through universal health coverage, guaranteeing free antenatal care, vaccines and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants. The government invests more than 10 per cent of its 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 Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim. “Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, but also a pledge by the government to continue investing in resilient, equitable and high-quality health services that leave no one behind.”
WHO Representative to the Maldives, Ms Payden, said the achievement stood as a “powerful example of how sustained investment in health systems, innovation and community-based care can change the trajectory of public health”. She added: “WHO is proud to have partnered with the Government of Maldives and will continue to support efforts to sustain this achievement and ensure every child across all the islands has a healthy future.”
The WHO emphasised that the success was underpinned by close collaboration between government agencies, private health providers, civil society and international partners, working together in screening, service delivery, outreach and technical support.
The Maldives plans to sustain progress through further strengthening of its health system — including digital health integration, targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, enhanced private-sector engagement and improved laboratory quality management. WHO has pledged continued technical support to ensure that the Maldives maintains its elimination status and advances broader maternal, child and adolescent health goals.
“This remarkable achievement from the Maldives shows the world that with commitment, integration and equity, even small nations can set global benchmarks in public health,” WHO said in its statement.
