Maldives becomes the first country globally to achieve Triple Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B

MALE’, Maldives, 14 October 2025 – Maldives has achieved the World Health Organization’s (WHO) certification for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. With this certification, Maldives is the first country in the world to achieve this historic milestone, reflecting the country's unwavering commitment to providing a healthier start in life to every child.

The WHO certification was formally received by the Maldives’ Minister of Health, H.E Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim by the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the ongoing 78th WHO Regional Committee Meeting for South-East Asia in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

“The recognition for triple elimination is a moment of immense national pride for Maldives. It reflects our long-standing investment in maternal and child health, the dedication of our health workforce, and the success of our collective commitment to leave no mother or child behind. The Government of Maldives remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every child is born free from preventable diseases and has an equal opportunity for a healthy life,” stated the Minister of Health, H.E. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim.

Previously, Maldives was awarded the certification for dual EMTCT of HIV and syphilis in 2019. Building upon that progress, the country expanded its efforts to include hepatitis B, implementing comprehensive EMTCT strategies, including universal antenatal screening, timely treatment, safe delivery practices, and postnatal follow-up care.

UNICEF, in collaboration with WHO, UNAIDS, and national partners, has supported the Government of Maldives throughout this journey by providing technical assistance, strengthening service delivery, and facilitating policy and systems coordination across health and community systems.

“Every child has the right to be born free from infection and to grow up healthy and strong. This landmark achievement by Maldives is a demonstration of what can be accomplished through sustained leadership, strong partnerships, and an unwavering focus on equity and quality of care, reminding us that together, we can build a future where preventable diseases no longer threaten the first moments of a child’s life,” stated Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to Maldives.

Maldives’ success comes at a pivotal moment in the movement to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The global goal for triple elimination by 2030, led by WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS and partners, aims to ensure that all countries can prevent new infections and secure a healthy start for every newborn, everywhere.

UNICEF calls upon all countries in the region to build on this momentum and work collectively toward the 2030 goal of triple elimination, ensuring that no child is born with HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B.