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In a landmark development in global public health, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to be validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis-B. This achievement represents a major milestone in protecting newborns from lifelong infections and advancing maternal-child health security.

Significance of the Achievement

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis-B remains a pressing concern worldwide, particularly in developing regions. In the WHO South-East Asia Region alone, thousands of infants are still born with congenital infections annually. Against this backdrop, Maldives’ accomplishment sets a benchmark for public health governance and disease elimination.

Key Drivers Behind Maldives’ Success

The achievement results from a comprehensive, integrated and equity-based healthcare strategy, backed by political commitment and strong health investments.

1. Universal Maternal Care and Screening

• Over 95% of pregnant women in Maldives receive antenatal care.
• Nearly all are screened for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis-B.
• Universal access extends to migrants and remote island populations.

2. Robust ImmunisationProgramme

• Above 95% hepatitis-B birth-dose coverage within 24 hours of birth.
• Full childhood immunisation coverage consistently maintained.

3. Demonstrated Zero Transmission

• No infant HIV or syphilis cases reported since 2022.
• National survey (2023) confirmed zero hepatitis-B among school-entry children.

4. Strong Public Health Infrastructure

• Universal health coverage system offering free antenatal and diagnostic services.
• Government spends over 10% of GDP on health, among the highest in the region.
• Effective partnerships across public, private, and civil society sectors, supported by WHO technical assistance.

Strategic Measures Adopted

• Integrated maternal-child health services
• Early testing and treatment protocols
• Strong laboratory systems and surveillance
• Community outreach and migrant health inclusion
• High-quality vaccination logistics

Future Roadmap

To sustain the elimination status and deepen maternal-newborn care outcomes, Maldives plans to:

• Expand digital public-health systems
• Strengthen laboratory and monitoring quality
• Enhance services for key and migrant populations
• Increase private-sector collaboration

WHO will continue supporting Maldives to maintain momentum toward broader maternal, child, and adolescent health goals.

Maldives at a Glance

• Location: North-central Indian Ocean; southwest of India and Sri Lanka
• Capital:Malé
• Population: ~5.6 lakh (2025)
• Geography: ~1,200 coral islands across 26 atolls; ~200 inhabited
• Feature: Lowest-lying nation globally (maximum elevation ~1.8m)
• Climate: Tropical; Southwest monsoon (May–Aug), Northeast monsoon (Dec–Mar)