Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Published : October 14, 2025 8:06 PM IST
For the first time in the world the Maldives has become the leading country to achieve the triple Elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission (EMTCT), of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, which is validated by the World Health Organization (WHO), on Monday, 13 October.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, told the media, "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. This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal."
Today, the #Maldives became the first country in the world to achieve triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B: https://t.co/jey5Qw4VaW
This is a major public health milestone that will have a lasting impact on the lives of current and pic.twitter.com/lW9NNx3SYP Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 13, 2025
In general, millions of people across the globe are affected by the mother-to-child transmissions like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, as per the World Health organization (WHO). A data available on the global health organization, reports that about 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis and almost 8000 infants had congenital syphilis which was passed to the child by the mother, in 2024.
The WHO South-East Asia Region also witnessed 25,000 HIV positive pregnant women who required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies. As for hepatitis B cases, it continues to affect more than 42 million people in the region.
"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. 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," said H.E Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health, Maldives.
WHO states that over the years, 'The Pearl Of Indian Ocean' has built an integrated and comprehensive approach to maternal and child health. The global health organization claims that more than 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care with nearly universal testing of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
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