New Delhi, October 13 (IANS). Maldives has become the first country in the world to achieve ‘triple elimination’ of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis, achieving a historic public health milestone, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.
Maldives is currently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated the transmission of hepatitis B among children. The country received World Health Organization (WHO) accreditation or EMTCCT for HIV and syphilis in 2019.
“The Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, it is possible to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases and the suffering they cause,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
He further said, “This historic achievement provides hope and inspiration for all countries working towards this goal.”
Millions of people around the world get infected due to mother-to-child transmission.
In the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia region alone, provisional estimates suggest that in 2024, more than 23,000 pregnant women will contract syphilis and more than 8,000 infants will be born with congenital syphilis.
The World Health Organization said about 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women needed treatment to prevent infection in their babies, while hepatitis B continues to affect more than 42 million people in the region.
“This historic achievement is an important step towards ‘Healthy Starts, Brighter Futures’ that will improve maternal and newborn health by eliminating preventable deaths and prioritizing long-term well-being,” said Dr. Katharina Boehm, Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office.
In the Maldives, more than 95 percent of pregnant women have received prenatal care, and have been tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.
With a strong vaccination system, no children will be born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023. WHO said a national survey by 2023 confirmed zero cases of hepatitis B among young children (first grade of school), exceeding elimination targets.
Maldives Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim pledged to continue this progress in the future, saying, “This historic recognition is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives and a reflection of our nation’s strong commitment to the safety of mothers, children and future generations.”
–IANS
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