Malé, October 2025: The Republic of Maldives has made history as the first country in the world to achieve the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, validated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This landmark achievement reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to maternal and child health and its ability to deliver equitable care across its dispersed island communities. It marks not only a milestone for Maldives but also a global example of how sustained investment in health systems can lead to lasting public health impact.
The Maldives’ journey toward triple elimination is built on more than a decade of dedication and system-wide reform. In 2019, WHO validated the country for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis; a significant milestone achieved through high coverage of antenatal care, universal screening for infections during pregnancy, and the unwavering commitment of health workers, families, and leaders. Since then, the Maldives has successfully maintained its validation status, reporting zero new pediatric HIV infections and no congenital syphilis cases between 2019 and 2023. Building on these achievements, the country expanded its efforts to include hepatitis B prevention within the triple-elimination framework, attaining and sustaining high birth-dose vaccination coverage of over 95 percent and confirming zero hepatitis B infections among young children through a national school-based serosurvey in 2023.
This historic validation demonstrates the strength of the Maldives’ integrated health system and its emphasis on preventive, people-centered care. More than 95 percent of pregnant women receive antenatal care across the islands, where routine screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B is offered during the first trimester. All newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, followed by the full vaccination schedule. Under the national social health insurance scheme, these essential services (including antenatal care, testing, and treatment) are free and accessible to all Maldivians, while current policies also facilitate access for migrant populations through mandatory employer-provided health insurance. Further demonstrating the country’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access, all routine immunizations, are offered free of charge to all children irrespective of nationality. The country’s Migrant Health Policy which was launched recently reinforces this commitment by guaranteeing equal access to health services for all residents.
The Maldives’ success also reflects the value of integration, innovation, and partnership. The Ministry of Health, Health Protection Agency, WHO, UNICEF and numerous national and international partners have worked together to align policies, programmes, and systems under one coordinated national framework. This achievement was further supported by the dedicated efforts of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) as the national reference hospital and laboratory, together with public and private health facilities across the country that ensured consistent service delivery and quality of care. The National Validation Committee, chaired by the Minister of Health, has led the process of integrating HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B interventions within maternal, newborn, and child health services. Strengthened laboratory networks, digitalization through the District Health Information System (DHIS2) and the Electronic Immunization Registry, and a commitment to real-time data monitoring have further enhanced quality, accountability, and sustainability.
Beyond systems and policies, this achievement belongs to the people of Maldives; to the mothers who seek care early, the midwives and health workers who ensure every test and vaccine is administered on time, and the communities who have placed their trust in the health system. Together, they have demonstrated that even in a geographically fragmented island nation, elimination of these infections is possible through inclusion, innovation, and determination.
“The Maldives’ triple elimination stands as a powerful example of how sustained investment in health systems, innovation, and community-based care can change the trajectory of public health. WHO is proud to have partnered with the Government of Maldives and will continue to provide technical support to sustain this achievement and ensure that every child across all the islands have a healthy future,” said Ms Payden, WHO Representative to Maldives.
“This historic validation is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives and a reflection of our nation’s steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children and future generations. Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, but also a pledge by the Government to our people that we will continue to invest in resilient, equitable and high-quality health services that leave no one behind,” said H.E Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health.
The validation of Triple EMTCT is the culmination of years of investment in primary health care, universal health coverage, and strong community engagement. It reaffirms the Maldives’ position as a leader in public health and a model for countries around the world striving toward elimination goals. As we look towards the future, WHO remains committed supporting the Government of Maldives in sustaining these gains, further strengthening its health systems, and ensuring that every mother and every child across the islands continues to have a healthy beginning and a hopeful future.