The World Health Organisation (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, making it the first country globally to achieve “triple elimination” after previously being certified for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis in 2019. WHO Director-General praised the nation’s political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, calling it an inspiring example for countries worldwide. Mother-to-child transmission leads to infections that affect millions globally.
In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, provisional estimates from 2024 show that more than 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, over 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis, and about 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their babies. Meanwhile, hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people in the Region. The…
