Maldives certified for eliminating three mother-to-child diseases
WHO honors Maldives for becoming first country to eliminate maternal transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — World Health Organization has formally recognized the Maldives as the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, marking a major public health milestone for the Indian Ocean nation.
The certification was presented during the Seventy-Ninth World Health Assembly, where Maldives Health Minister Geela Ali accepted the recognition on behalf of the country.
WHO described the achievement as a “landmark public health accomplishment” reflecting decades of investment in maternal and child healthcare services, disease prevention and community health programs.
The recognition confirms that the Maldives successfully met international standards for eliminating vertical transmission — the spread of infections from mothers to children during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding — for all three diseases simultaneously.
WHO said the “triple elimination” initiative was designed to help countries integrate testing, treatment and preventive healthcare into maternal health systems to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases to newborns.
Under the program, countries are required to maintain extensive prenatal screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, provide treatment for infected mothers, ensure safe delivery practices and offer long-term care and vaccination support for infants.
Public health experts say the Maldives’ recognition is particularly significant because small island developing states often face healthcare challenges linked to limited resources, geographic isolation and dependence on imported medical supplies.
In a statement shared on social media, Geela said the WHO certification reflected the Maldives’ long-term commitment to strengthening public healthcare services and expanding maternal health protections.
Speaking at the World Health Assembly, the minister also called for stronger international cooperation and sustainable financing to protect global public health systems amid growing economic pressures and geopolitical tensions.
She said countries in the WHO South-East Asia region had made progress in disease control, digital healthcare and emergency preparedness despite financial and political challenges affecting global health systems.
The Maldives has increasingly promoted healthcare modernization and preventive medicine as part of broader efforts to strengthen public services and improve long-term national health outcomes. Analysts say the WHO recognition could further enhance the country’s international reputation in public health and healthcare delivery.
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