Source: UN News: Friday, July 10, 2026 00:00 AM
An India-backed initiative is strengthening maternal and child health services in the Caribbean and leading efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. The project, led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has received support of $1 million from the India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund. This major initiative of South-South cooperation is coordinated by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSCSouth-South cooperation refers to a partnership between developing countries in which they work together to achieve development goals based on the principles of mutual respect and shared benefit. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund supports development projects led by many countries in this spirit. Through improved health services, laboratory capacity, disease surveillance and training of health workers, this project aims to help children in the Caribbean region lead healthy lives, free from preventable infections. Historic Achievements The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have recently World Health Organization (WHO) has received certification from WHO to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of certain diseases. Turks and Caicos Islands has become the first region of the Americas and only the third in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. It is also certified to eliminate HIV infection. The Bahamas is certified to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The foundation of the Bahamas’ success was laid in the late 1990s, when testing and prenatal care were made available to all pregnant women, regardless of their nationality or legal status. Standardized procedures, improved laboratory services, and improved treatment helped reduce HIV infection in newborns. The Bahamas also shared its experiences and lessons with other Caribbean countries. The country’s leaders also remembered the contributions of the late Dr. Michael Perry Gomez, who led efforts to combat HIV in the Bahamas. “His work reminds us that progress in public health never happens by accident,” said Michael Darvill, Minister of Health and Wellness. According to Prime Minister Philip Davis, this achievement shows how much can be achieved by placing health care at the center of national development. Can be done. © WHO/PAHO Dr. Aldona Boisson, PAHO-WHO Representative in the Bahamas, presenting her certificate to Dr. Michael Darvill, Minister of Health and Wellness. India’s Collaboration’This project, launched to strengthen maternal and child health services in CARICOM (Caribbean Community) member countries through the ‘Strengthening Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) Strategy’, aims to address key gaps in the region’s health systems. The initiative is supporting the improvement of maternal and child health services, increasing laboratory testing capacity, and strengthening surveillance of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.Caribbean Mayank Joshi, India’s High Commissioner to the region, said these achievements are not just limited to improved health statistics. “They reflect strong partnerships, years of investment in maternal and child health, strengthened health systems, effective surveillance and a collective commitment to give every child a healthy start to life free from preventable diseases,” he said. “India is proud to support such initiatives through the India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund,” he said. Sustaining Achievements Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services of the Turks and Caicos Islands, said that this achievement brings with it a great responsibility. “We are committed to building on these achievements, strengthening health systems, and providing quality, equitable and accessible health services to every mother and child,” he said. Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, said that despite its small size, the territory is determined to lead and set the bar for others. Has the potential. He said, “This success did not happen overnight. Behind it are years of dedication, strategic planning and continuous investment.” © WHO/PAHO Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Premier Charles W. Misik and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services Desiree Lewis receiving their certificates. Leaders around the world have also praised these achievements. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said significant progress is possible through sustained political commitment, stronger health systems and equitable access to health services. Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, stressed the need for integrated primary health services and the determination to leave no one behind. Dr Rhonda Seely-Thomas, Assistant Director of PAHO-WHO, said that prenatal care Hepatitis B vaccine is very important. The experience in the Turks and Caicos Islands shows that a strong vaccination program can form the foundation for eliminating mother-to-child transmission. Training for health workers Since November 2025, more than 600 health workers from CARICOM countries and territories have received online training to strengthen infection prevention and treatment services. Held in coordination with PAHO, the sessions also provided a regional platform for health workers and policy makers to share experiences and learnings.UNAIDS Luisa Cabal, Regional Director of WHO, said that the Caribbean region is leading the world in efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The region has received almost 60 percent of the 23 certifications issued worldwide. These efforts have also played a significant role in reducing new HIV infections by 21 percent since 2010. Wendy Telford-Emmanuelson, Executive Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership, praised India’s financial support and PAHO’s technical leadership. “Health is a shared responsibility not just of the health sector, but of the entire society,” she said. Challenges remain despite progress. Despite historic achievements, health authorities have failed to provide sustained investment and The need for vigilance has been stressed. According to PAHO data, cases of congenital syphilis in the Americas region increased by 40 percent between 2016 and 2022. More than 36 thousand cases were recorded in 2022 alone. Of the 26 countries that provided data, 19 also reported an increase in syphilis infection among pregnant women. Key priorities for the region include rapid testing for pregnant women, expanding testing and treatment to the general population, and strengthening disease surveillance systems. It is also essential to ensure that every newborn receives hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth and the remaining doses at a later date. Meet. This initiative seeks to create a more equitable, stronger and healthier future for Caribbean children by addressing gaps in maternal and child health services. A detailed version of this article appeared first. Here Published.
