Maldives Achieves Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: WHO
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives as the first country in the world to achieve “triple elimination” — stopping mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, marking a historic global public health milestone
About Maldives Achieves Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT):
• What It Is?
• Triple Elimination refers to a country successfully preventing mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B — three major infectious diseases affecting newborns globally. WHO validates countries only when zero new infant cases are reported for at least two consecutive years, with strong monitoring systems and universal maternal healthcare.
• Triple Elimination refers to a country successfully preventing mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B — three major infectious diseases affecting newborns globally.
• WHO validates countries only when zero new infant cases are reported for at least two consecutive years, with strong monitoring systems and universal maternal healthcare.
• Achievements of Maldives:
• Global First: Maldives is the first nation ever to achieve WHO “triple elimination” status (HIV, syphilis & hepatitis B). Universal Maternal Health Coverage: Over 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care and are tested for all three infections. Immunization Success: Over 95% of newborns receive the hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours, ensuring early protection. Zero Transmission: Since 2022, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis, and 2023 surveys showed zero hepatitis B among children.
• Global First: Maldives is the first nation ever to achieve WHO “triple elimination” status (HIV, syphilis & hepatitis B).
• Universal Maternal Health Coverage: Over 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care and are tested for all three infections.
• Immunization Success: Over 95% of newborns receive the hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours, ensuring early protection.
• Zero Transmission: Since 2022, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis, and 2023 surveys showed zero hepatitis B among children.
About Maldives:
• Location: Maldives is an independent island nation in the north-central Indian Ocean, about 600 km southwest of India and 645 km southwest of Sri Lanka.
• Capital: Malé.
• Population: Estimated 561,900 (2025); official language Dhivehi; state religion Islam.
• Geographic Features:
• Island Composition: Comprises about 1,200 small coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, of which around 200 are inhabited. Elevation: One of the world’s lowest-lying nations, with no island rising above 1.8 meters (6 feet) above sea level. Climate: Tropical climate with southwest monsoon (May–Aug) bringing rain and northeast monsoon (Dec–Mar) bringing dry weather.
• Island Composition: Comprises about 1,200 small coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, of which around 200 are inhabited.
• Elevation: One of the world’s lowest-lying nations, with no island rising above 1.8 meters (6 feet) above sea level.
• Climate: Tropical climate with southwest monsoon (May–Aug) bringing rain and northeast monsoon (Dec–Mar) bringing dry weather.