Maldives are becoming the first country to achieve the 'triple removal' of 'transfer of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis

In a significant public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the Maldives to remove the transmission of mother and child (EMTCT) Hepatitis B, retaining its earlier validation (2019) for EMTCT than HIV and syphilis. Because of this, Maldives are the first country in the world to achieve “triple removal”.

“Maldives have shown that with strong political will and constant investment in mother and child's health, the removal of the transmission of these deadly mother and child and the suffering they bring is possible,” said Dr. Tedros Adhan Adhan Ghebreyesus, who is the general director. “This historical turning point provides hope and inspiration for the countries everywhere they work for the same goal.”

Mother and child transfer leads to infections that affect millions around the world. In the Who Southeast Asia region alone, temporary estimates indicate that in 2024 more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, and over 8,000 infants were born with innate syphilis. About 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transfer to their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect more than 42 million people in the region.

“The achievement in Maldives testifies to his unwavering commitment to the universal health covering, providing quality and fair care on his scattered islands to all, including migrants.” said Dr. Catharina Boehme, a chief officer, who is the regional office of Southeast Asia. “This significant feat is an important step to” healthy beginnings, the future hope, “to improve the health of mothers and newborns by ending death that can also be prevented by priority of long -term well -being. Congratulations to the Maldives and look forward to progress in the country in many other areas while maintaining these gains.”

Integrated care, universal health coverage and partnerships run historical success

Over the years, the Maldives have built an integrated and comprehensive approach to mother and child's health. More than 95% of pregnant women receive antennatal care, with an almost universal test on HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. The country also has a strong immunization system, with more than 95% of newborns that consistently receive a timely dose of birth of hepatitis B and protection against a full infection of the vaccine. As a result, no baby was born with HIV or Syphilis 2022 and 2023, while National Research in 2023 confirmed Zero hepatitis B among young children (first grade of school), surpassing the removal goals. These achievements are supported by universal health covering, which guarantees free antennatal care, vaccines and diagnostic services for all residents, including migrants, supported by strong policies and an investment of over 10% of GDP health.

“This historical validation is a moment of huge pride for the Maldives and a reflection of the steady commitment of our nation for the protection of mothers, children and future generations,” said Abdulla Nazum Ibrahim, Minister of Health, Maldives. “The achievement of triple removal is not only a turning point for our health sector, but also a pledge to our people that we will continue to invest in resistant, fair and high quality health services that they leave no one.”

This turning point reflects strong partnerships between government, private health care providers, civil society and international partners, working together in screening, services, reaching and technical support.

“The triple removal of maldives is a strong example of how permanent investments in health care systems, innovation and care with the community headquarters can change the path of public health, said Mrs. Payden, who is representative of Maldives.” Who is proud to unite with the Maldive Government and continued to provide technical support for maintaining this achievement and insurance.

Maintenance of progress for the future

Maldives will continue to strengthen their health care system by integrating digital health information, expanding the target interventions for key populations and migrants, improvement of the private sector and reporting and improvement of laboratory quality management. Who will support Maldives to ensure lasting efforts in removing the progress for the wider health goals of the mother, child and adolescents.