Maldives This Tuesday, it achieved an unprecedented achievement in the history of global public health: the certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (ETMIH) of the , the and the .
With this distinction, the island country becomes the first on the planet to simultaneously eradicate mother-to-child transmission of the three diseasesa milestone that reflects its unwavering commitment to ensuring a healthier start in life for every child.
The certification has been formally delivered to the Minister of Health of the Maldives, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahimby the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesusduring the 78th Meeting of the WHO Regional Committee for Southeast Asia, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
“The recognition of the triple elimination is a moment of immense national pride for Maldives. reflects our long-standing investment in maternal and child healththe dedication of our healthcare staff and the success of our collective commitment to leave no mother or child behind“Ibrahim declared.
“The Government of Maldives remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that all children are born free of preventable diseases and have the same opportunities for a healthy life,” he added.
A sustained path towards eradication: international call
UNICEF recalls that, in 2019, Maldives already obtained certification for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. Since then, the country has expanded its effort to include hepatitis B, through “comprehensive EMCT strategies” that cover universal prenatal screeninghe timely treatment of mothers, safe birth practices and a postnatal follow-up constant.
These measures, supported by UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS and national partners, have strengthened health systems: “Every child has the right to be born free of infections and to grow up healthy and strong. This historic achievement by the Maldives demonstrates what can be achieved through a Sustained leadership, strong partnerships, and an unwavering focus on equity and quality of carewhich reminds us that together we can build a future where preventable diseases no longer threaten the first moments of a child’s life,” says the doctor EDARDARDAIIUNICEF representative in Maldives.
UNICEF highlights that this milestone comes at “a crucial time in the movement to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.” The global goal of eliminating these three diseases by 2030 seeks “ensure that all countries can prevent new infections and ensure a healthy start for every newborn, everywhere”.
Given this progress, the organization has launched appeal to the countries of the region to “Take advantage of this momentum and work collectively to achieve the 2030 goal of triple elimination, ensuring that no child is born with HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B.
