The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the Maldives as the first country in the world to achieve “triple elimination” of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
In a press release issued on Sunday, WHO described the milestone as a historic public health achievement, validating the Maldives for eliminating hepatitis B transmission while maintaining its earlier 2019 validation for HIV and syphilis.
“With strong policies and sustained investment in maternal and child health, Maldives has demonstrated that it is possible to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases and the suffering they cause,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Congratulations #Maldives ???????? for achieving ‘triple elimination’ of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B — becoming the first country in the world ???? to reach this remarkable milestone!This historic success was possible because of ✔️ an integrated and… pic.twitter.com/ILiFVDumYo
— World Health Organization South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) October 13, 2025
The WHO emphasized that the Maldives’ success sets a powerful example for other nations. In the South-East Asia Region alone, provisional estimates for 2024 indicate that over 23,000 pregnant women had syphilis, resulting in more than 8,000 infants born with congenital syphilis. Additionally, 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission, while hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people in the region.
Over recent years, the Maldives built a robust and integrated maternal health system. More than 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care, including near-universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The country also maintains a strong immunization program, with over 95% of newborns receiving timely hepatitis B birth doses and full vaccine coverage.
As a result, no infants were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023, and a 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B among first-grade children, surpassing elimination targets.
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim called the recognition “a moment of immense pride,” affirming the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare for all residents. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also celebrated the achievement, thanking health workers and partners for their dedication. “We are proud to be the first country in the world to achieve triple elimination,” he stated on social media.
Today, the Maldives makes history. ????????We are proud to be the first country in the world to achieve 'triple elimination' of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.It is a remarkable milestone officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).… https://t.co/KL2ExiNJEq
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) October 13, 2025
The WHO noted that Maldives’ success reflects strong partnerships between government, private healthcare providers, civil society, and international organizations, all working together in screening, outreach, and technical support. The country reportedly allocates 10% of its GDP to health, underscoring its commitment to universal health coverage.